Professional guidance regarding best practices in the screening and assessment of concerns related to potential autism spectrum disorder has been long established by many organizations and regularly revised considering advancements in knowledge (Brian, Zwaigenbaum, & Ip, 2019; Hyman, et al., 2020; Myers & Johnson, 2007; Volkmar et al., 1999; Volkmar et al., 2014). Despite having several clear guidance documents with consistent messaging about best practices in autism diagnosis, questions remain regarding whether practitioners are actively implementing this guidance during routine patient care, which can lead to diagnostic disagreements across providers or systems and cause confusion and delayed access to necessary care for children and their families (Williams, Atkins, & Soles, 2009). This session will review results of a recent survey of behavioral health, medical, and allied health professionals in the United States of America who conduct autism diagnostic evaluations as part of regular clinical care. Attendees will learn about the reported training of autism evaluation providers, which assessment batteries are used, and common recommendations. These results will be compared to known best practice guidelines. The presenters will also explore how training relates to measures used and recommendations made. Opportunities and imperatives for future growth will be discussed.

Melissa Tuttle, PhD, is a psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital - Toledo and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Her clinical interests include autism diagnostic assessment, behavioral intervention, and improving behavioral health care in rural communities.  

Kristen Boog, PhD is a psychologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital - Toledo and a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine. Her clinical interests include neurodevelopmental assessment, brief intervention for youth experiencing health concerns, and working with youth with co-occurring physical and neurodevelopmental concerns.