The Implementation of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers in Part C Early Intervention Programs: An 18-Month Follow-Up

This study examined the feasibility of implementing the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers, an interactive Level-2 screen for autism spectrum disorder, within Part C Early Intervention settings. Participants included 69 Early Intervention providers (M age = 43.3 years, 93.7% females, 92.4% Whites) from nine programs who attended a one-day Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers training workshop. Half of the providers reported using the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers, and reported it to be feasible and effective. Regardless of Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers use, providers reported increased knowledge about recognizing the early signs of autism spectrum disorder following the workshop. Provider-reported self-efficacy regarding skills related to autism spectrum disorder screening increased significantly from baseline to the 18-month follow-up. Providers also described the facilitators (e.g. promotes communication with families) and barriers (e.g. certification process), that influenced their adoption. Results highlight the potential use of the Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers within Early Intervention settings to identify autism spectrum disorder, and suggest an implementation model in which specific providers serve as a screening "point-person," rather than expecting it to be used by all providers. Future research should aim to identify characteristics of agencies or providers that might facilitate Screening Tool for Autism in Toddlers use, as well as specific implementation plans and strategies that might promote long-term sustainability of Level-2 screening practices.