Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder Linked to Patient-Centered Medical Home Components

Research findings on Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have identified a critical link between early diagnosis and patient-centered medical home (PCMH) components, facilitating improved functioning and care coordination for children with ASD. A study led by Baylor University researchers explored the relationship between age of ASD diagnosis and PCMH components in a national sample of children aged 17 and younger. The study found that having a usual source of sick care was significantly correlated with receiving an earlier ASD diagnosis.

Key Takeaways:

• The study found that having a usual source of sick care was significantly correlated with receiving an earlier ASD diagnosis for children and adolescents.
• The research used a cross-sectional, observational study design, with participants being caregivers of 1,193 children with ASD from the 2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).
• Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was run with age of ASD diagnosis as the criterion variable in two regression models.
• The binary composite medical home proxy variable and five individual medical home components (usual source of care, personal doctor or nurse, family-centered care, care coordination, and able to obtain referrals when needed) were investigated.
• The study found that the overall PCMH proxy variable was significantly associated with age of ASD diagnosis, with a standardized beta coefficient of -0.08 (p = <.05).
• The research concluded that early diagnosis of ASD is linked to components of the patient-centered medical home, particularly having a usual source of sick care.
• The study was funded by the United States Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA).

Statistics:

• 1,193 children with ASD were involved in the study.
• The study used a cross-sectional design, with data collected from the 2020 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH).
• The binary composite medical home proxy variable and five individual medical home components were investigated.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Researchers from Baylor University Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of Autism Spectrum Disorders (Age of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Patient-centered Medical Home Components). Pediatrics Week. September 7, 2024; p 636.
• Limbers, C. A., Zeleznik, T., Beuley, G., Milliken, A., Hernandez, E., & Ryan-Pettes, S. R. (2024). Age of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis and Patient-centered Medical Home Components. Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 2024.
• United States Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA).