Early childcare provider recognition of behaviors related to Autistic Spectrum Disorders and parent communication

Abstract

Research suggests that early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders leads to best outcomes; however, children are regularly not being identified as early as they could be, especially children from certain populations (Mandell, et. al., 2005; 2007; 2009; Pinto-Martin, Dunkle, Earls, Fliedner, & Landes, 2005; Shonkoff & Phillips, 2000). This may be related to several barriers, including: the complexities involved in an early diagnosis, cultural barriers, parent readiness to pursue an evaluation and barriers that prevent our current systems of wide range identification from working (Filipek et. al, 1999; Harry, 2008; Mandell, et. al., 2005; 2007; 2009; Pinto-Martin et. al., 2005). Early childcare providers and centers are one possible venue to overcome several of these barriers. However, little is known regarding the factors that contribute to an early childcare provider's (ECCP) decision to become involved when they have a concern with a child's development. Little is known as to what factors might contribute to this decision, how much these factors might contribute to this decision, or how demographic characteristics might interact with these factors. Given the importance of early identification and intervention and the frontline role early childcare providers can play, the purpose of this study was to explore the factors that help explain whether early childcare providers are willing to communicate with parents about their child's developmental progress when there are concerns. There was a significant interaction effect of the three main predictors, Motivational Beliefs, Context Skills, and Parent Invitations, in the internalized condition. This suggests that as an ECCP's levels of these predictors increased in combination, they were more likely to talk to parents when children are displaying internalized symptoms related to a diagnosis of ASD.