Journal article
Coaching While Waiting for Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessment: Protocol of a Pilot Feasibility Study for a Randomized Controlled Trial on Occupational Performance Coaching and Service Navigation Support
Charmaine Bernie, Katrina Williams, Fiona Graham, Tamara May
JMIR RESEARCH PROTOCOLS | JMIR PUBLICATIONS, INC | Published : 2021
DOI: 10.2196/20011
Abstract
BACKGROUND: In Australia, the average time between a first concern of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and diagnosis is over 2 years. After referral for assessment, families often wait 6-12 months before their appointment. This can be a time of uncertainty and stress for families. For some families, other forms of assistance are not accessible and thus timely intervention opportunities are missed. There is little evidence about how to provide the best support for children or caregivers while on assessment waiting lists. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine whether use of a coaching intervention called Occupational Performance Coaching (OPC) combined with service navigation support ..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The research team would like to acknowledge the generous contribution of Sue and Leigh Clifford, whose funding through the Clifford Scholarship has enabled this research to take place within allocated time frames and at no cost to families. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Department of Paediatrics at the University of Melbourne, the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and The Royal Children's Hospital, particularly the Allied Health Department. Most importantly, we are grateful to the families who have donated their time to the project to date. This project has been funded through the Melbourne Research Scholarship, The Clifford Family Scholarship, and the Developmental Disabilities and Rehabilitation Research Top-up Scholarship.