Autism Assessment Capacity Project

Autism Assessment Capacity Project

Autism Assessment Capacity Project

About Us

The Autism Assessment Capacity Project (AACP) began in 2021 to investigate and address the issues contributing to the limited autism diagnostic capacity in Oregon. It is a collaboration between leaders at Health Share of Oregon, OHSU Institute on Development and Disability, Providence Children’s Development Institute, Legacy Randall’s Development & Rehabilitation Program, CareOregon, and Children’s Health Alliance and was seed-funded by Health Share of Oregon starting in 2023.

The AACP’s multiple initiatives aim to address autism diagnostic capacity and access at multiple levels through increasing workforce capacity, collaboration between health systems, and fiscal sustainability of diagnostic providers. AACP’s PCP Training Program is one such initiative and aims to equip providers with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide autism diagnostic and referral services, thus significantly improving access for children across Oregon.

The Autism Assessment Training Program for Primary Care Providers (PCPs)

The AACP, with funding from Health Share of Oregon, has developed an Autism Assessment Training Program for PCPs. The AACP developed a curriculum based on successful programs in other states, began training its first cohort of PCPs in April 2024, and hopes to bring this training to communities throughout the State of Oregon to optimize equitable access to autism diagnostic services for young children.

Training Details

  • PCPs (MD, DO, PA, NPs) participating in the training program are trained on the use of assessment tools, including the DSM-5 Parent Interview and STAT™ (an observational tool to assist with autism diagnosis).
  • Upon completion of the 36+ hour AACP training, PCPs are STAT™-certified and able to begin administration of quality autism diagnostic assessments for children 18-47 months (within specific inclusion criteria).
  • The curriculum and format of AACP’s Autism Diagnostic Assessment Training Program for PCPs is based on validated programs in other states.
  • Studies from other states have found that trained PCPs can reliably assess children (within specific inclusion criteria) with an accuracy consistent with the interrater reliability of those doing “gold-standard” autism diagnostic assessments (e.g. ADOS-2).

Testimony from an AACP-Trained PCP

“Learning from experts in the field how to assess and diagnose Autism and initiate interventions is fundamental in ensuring positive future outcomes and has truly added to my repertoire of clinical skills. Learning about therapeutic supports/community resources have also given me tools to help guide families learn and cope with the new diagnosis. I am grateful to be part of this pilot program and energized to continue to grow with it.” 

Contact Us:

AACPtraining@ohsu.edu

Flyer:

Autism Assessment Capacity Project Flyer