Project Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) Autism: A Successful Model to Increase Capacity in Community-Based Care.

Kristin Sohl,Małgorzata Janas-Kozik,Artur Mazur,Valeria Nanclares-Nogués,Roma A Vasa,Catherine Lord,Alicia Brewer Curran,Agnieszka Rynkiewicz,Julie Scorah,Izabela Łucka,Mandy Steiman,Agnieszka Słopień

doi:10.3390/brainsci12030327

Abstract

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to access high-quality health care due to the shortage of trained providers. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism is a unique educational program that allows ASD experts to provide knowledge and skills to professionals in local communities to deliver evidence-based care to children with ASD and their families. The model teaches clinicians how to screen and diagnose ASD, as well as manage common co-occurring medical and mental health issues. ECHO Autism is particularly useful for addressing the complex needs of children with ASD and reducing disparities often present in rural and underserved communities. The model can be disseminated globally due to its flexibility in accommodating local and regional differences in social norms and constructs. This article provides an overview of the format of the ECHO Autism model, data supporting the model’s efficacy, and discusses future research directions.

Highlights

Introduction distributed under the terms andAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with significant impairments in social, communication, and behavioral functioning [1]
The replication trial served as a springboard for global expansion of ECHO Autism programs
Global ECHO Autism programs support community professionals who work with people who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the lifespan

Summary

ECHO Autism Framework

Given the increasing prevalence of ASD and the resultant impact on identification and intervention services, it is critical to develop innovative models that can meet the current demand. General practitioners (GPs) reported a decreased number of perceived barriers to caring for children with autism in their practice These findings are important when considering programs that can guide GP practice change to increase access and reduce disparities for the underserved. ECHO Autism: STAT GPs demonstrated better adherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) general developmental and autism screening guidelines as compared to the participants in the pilot study, as they achieved a 95% adherence rate to AAP screening guidelines at 12 months [20]. This model is about equipping the GPs to care for ASD patients through best practices, regardless of geographic location.

Global Scale of ECHO Autism

Findings

Conclusions and Future Directions