title: Whittling Down the Wait Time: Exploring Models to Minimize the Delay from Initial Concern to Diagnosis and Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: The process from initial concerns to diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be a long and complicated process. The traditional model for evaluation and diagnosis of ASD often consists of long wait-lists and evaluations that result in a 2-year difference between the earliest signs of ASD and mean age of diagnosis. Multiple factors contribute to this diagnostic bottleneck, including time-consuming evaluations, cost of care, lack of providers, and lack of comfort of primary care providers to diagnose autism. This article explores innovative clinical models that have been implemented to address this as well as future directions and opportunities.
authors: Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, Kennedy Krieger Institute, 716 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA. Electronic address: lipkinE@kennedykrieger.org.
authors: Eliza
authors: E
authors: Gordon-Lipkin
authors: Section of Developmental Pediatrics, Akron Children's Hospital, Neuro Developmental Science Center, Considine Professional Building, 215 West Bowery Street, Suite 4400, Akron, OH 44308, USA.
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Foster
authors: Division of Human Development and Disability, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy MS-E88, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA.
authors: Georgina
authors: G
authors: Peacock
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D014850:Waiting Lists
keywords: Autism spectrum disorder; Children; Diagnosis; Wait-list