Testing Telehealth Family Navigation to Speed Up Autism Intervention for Toddlers in Rural North Carolina

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether telehealth-based Family Navigation can speed up enrollment in community-based autism intervention programs for toddlers under 4 years old living in rural North Carolina after their recent autism diagnosis. The study aims to find out if this navigation support reduces the time to start intervention, improves developmental progress at 18 months post-diagnosis, and enhances caregiver well-being compared to usual care. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives up to four virtual sessions with a trained navigator who helps caregivers identify and enroll in recommended early intervention services. The other group, serving as a comparison, receives educational materials about early intervention and community supports at four timepoints during the first three months after joining the study. Throughout the study, caregivers and children will be monitored for time to intervention start, developmental changes, and caregiver well-being. Developmental outcomes are assessed at baseline and 18 months post-diagnosis using standardized measures, while caregiver well-being is measured at six months. The study lasts up to 18 months post-diagnosis, with all contact and assessments conducted virtually to suit the rural setting.

Resources for Optimizing Outcomes in Toddlers on the Spectrum