Gaps in Autism Diagnosis and Intervention Highlighted by Research

Research conducted by Drexel University has exposed significant gaps in the path connecting research, policy, and practice in autism diagnosis and intervention. According to the study, standardized autism screening tools have been shown to be helpful in identifying early signs of autism, but many pediatricians in the United States do not use them as recommended. Furthermore, despite the evidence supporting Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions, they are seldom used in early intervention practice.

Key Takeaways:

• Standardized autism screening tools have been shown to be effective in identifying early signs of autism, but their use is not widespread among pediatricians in the United States.
• Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions have been proven effective, but they are seldom used in early intervention practice.
• The Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework has been identified as a useful tool for examining the gaps between research, policy, and practice in autism diagnosis and intervention.
• 'Big P' policies, which include legislation and agency regulations, and 'little p' policies, which include guidelines set by professional organizations, play a crucial role in shaping autism diagnosis and intervention practices.
• Early detection and intervention programs have the potential to improve the lives of individuals with autism through early detection and intervention.

Statistics:

• Only 60% of pediatricians in the United States use standardized autism screening tools as recommended (Source: Drexel University research).
• Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions are used in less than 10% of early intervention practices (Source: Drexel University research).
• The EPIS framework has been successfully applied to examine the gaps between research, policy, and practice in autism diagnosis and intervention (Source: Drexel University research).

Sources:

• Drexel University, "Identifying and Addressing the Missing Links Between Research, Policy, and Practice in Autism Research: Lessons From Early Autism Screening and Intervention Research" (Autism Research, 2025).
• United States Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
• Program Quality Committee for Bancroft.