Name
O08 - Bridging Gaps: Integrating Autism Assessment into Primary Care
Date & Time
Saturday, October 18, 2025, 2:45 PM - 3:45 PM
Location Name
304
Description

This session will explore the integration of autism assessment within primary care in response to the growing need for early identification and support in the community. We will discuss how the assessment workflow has evolved over the past four years, highlighting key improvements and challenges. Additionally, the session will cover strategies for integrating autism assessment within primary care settings. Attendees will gain insights into best practices applicable to our setting, lessons learned, and future directions for enhancing autism care within primary care settings.

Speakers
NIDHI GOEL PhD, Behavioral Health Consultant, Individual - NIDHI GOEL, Auburn, WA
Amanda Foster, Lead Behavioral Health Provider, Individual - Amanda Foster, Spokane, WA
Colette DeMonte PsyD, Behavioral Health Consultant, Individual - Colette DeMonte,
Content Level
Novice
Tags
Pediatrics, Primary Care Behavioral Health Model, Team-based care
Session Type
Concurrent
SIG or Committee
Pediatrics (PEDs)
Objective 1
Describe the key components of an integrated primary care assessment model and its impact on reducing ASD diagnostic wait times.
Objective 2
Explain the collaborative workflow between behavioral health and primary care providers in conducting ASD assessments within a primary care setting.
Objective 3
Identify strategies to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and overcome barriers to equitable ASD assessment and early intervention.
Content Reference 1

Hyman, S. L., Levy, S. E., Myers, S. M., & COUNCIL ON CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES, SECTION ON DEVELOPMENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL PEDIATRICS (2020). Identification, Evaluation, and Management of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatrics, 145(1), e20193447. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3447

Content Reference 2

Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Choueiri, R., Kasari, C., Carter, A., Granpeesheh, D., Mailloux, Z., Smith Roley, S., Wagner, S., Fein, D., Pierce, K., Buie, T., Davis, P. A., Newschaffer, C., Robins, D., Wetherby, A., Stone, W. L., Yirmiya, N., Estes, A., Hansen, R. L., … Natowicz, M. R. (2015). Early Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Under 3 Years of Age: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics, 136 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S60–S81. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-3667E

Content Reference 3

Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Stone, W. L., Yirmiya, N., Estes, A., Hansen, R. L., McPartland, J. C., Natowicz, M. R., Choueiri, R., Fein, D., Kasari, C., Pierce, K., Buie, T., Carter, A., Davis, P. A., Granpeesheh, D., Mailloux, Z., Newschaffer, C., Robins, D., Roley, S. S., … Wetherby, A. (2015). Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Recommendations for Practice and Research. Pediatrics, 136 Suppl 1(Suppl 1), S10–S40. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2014-3667C

Content Reference 4

Hyman SL, Kroening AL.H. Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders in Primary Care: When You Know, You Know. Pediatrics. 2023;152(2): e2023062279

Content Reference 5

Nasir, A. K., Strong-Bak, W., & Bernard, M. (2024). Diagnostic Evaluation of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Pediatric Primary Care. Journal of primary care & community health, 15, 21501319241247997. https://doi.org/10.1177/21501319241247997