title: Online survey examining practitioners' perceived preparedness in the early identification of autism.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived preparedness of practitioners in the early identification of children ages birth to 6 yr with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Both occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants were included in this survey study. The online survey instrument consisted of 29 questions within six sections capturing participant demographics, delivery of occupational therapy services, action when autism is suspected, service delivery experience, resource sharing, and barriers to conducting autism screening. The results of the study provide baseline information concerning identified skills, practices, and barriers among 1,396 practitioners. Additionally, opportunities are revealed for professional development necessary to support practitioners in the early identification of children at risk for ASD through surveillance and screening among children ages birth to 6 yr.
authors.affiliation: Lesly W. James, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Research Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, University of South Carolina, School of Medicine, Center for Disability Resources, Columbia, SC 29208; lesly.james@uscmed.sc.edu.
authors.forename: Lesly W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: James
authors.affiliation: Kris A. Pizur-Barnekow, PhD, OTR/L, is Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Science and Technology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee College of Health Sciences.
authors.forename: Kris A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Pizur-Barnekow
authors.affiliation: Sandra Schefkind, MS, OTR, is Pediatric Coordinator, American Occupational Therapy Association, Bethesda, MD.
authors.forename: Sandra
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schefkind
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D019538:Health Care Surveys / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D057226:Information Seeking Behavior; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020377:Self Efficacy