A proposed service model for early identification of autism spectrum disorder in ethnic communities in Southern Israel
Bibliographic Data
Early autism spectrum disorder (ASD) detection is a precondition for effective intervention and facilitates significant improvements in functioning. In Israel, toddlers undergo general developmental screening by public health nurses (PHNs) at maternal and child health centres (MCHCs). Nevertheless, there are disparities among ethnic groups in the reported incidence of ASD. By means of an ecological model (EM), we identified strategies that improve ASD detection in the Bedouin community by investigating the social and policy factors that affect diagnosis. We conducted in-depth interviews with 18 policy makers and service providers and three focus groups of PHNs and paediatricians. We mapped the strategies for identifying toddlers with ASD based on the three EM levels. Correlations were established by comparing the codes within and between the EM levels. At the macro-level, the policy makers' strategy for improving ASD detection in the Bedouin community reflected the ideology, values and goals of the PHNs and included the MCHCs as the sole institution involved in detecting ASD. At the meso-level of the service providers, the key elements of the strategy consisted of actualising the professional potential of PHNs and patients' case management. At the micro-level was the population that utilises the services and complies with recommendations. A correlation was established between the PHNs' values and goals and patients' case management. Actualising their professional potential influenced the population's compliance. To reduce gaps in ASD diagnosis between Bedouin communities and the general population, it is necessary to identify and change the policy factors that influence access to services for children with ASD at every EM level while incorporating PHNs from the Bedouin community in future services. Culturally appropriate policies, screening policies and interventions must be developed to serve the needs of Bedouin children
Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Business · Environmental health · Ethnic group · Family medicine · Focus group · Political science · Population · Psychiatry · Public health · Service (business · Service delivery framework · Service provider · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Child and Adolescent Health · Family and Disability Support Research · Medicine · Nursing · Psychology
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network, 11 Sites, United States, 2014
Prevalence and Trends of Developmental Disabilities among Children in the United States
Upending the Social Ecological Model to Guide Health Promotion Efforts Toward Policy and Environmental Change
An Ecological Perspective on Health Promotion Programs
Use of Focus Groups in Survey Item Development
Culture and social support
Using thematic analysis in psychology
| Citation velocity | historical |
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| Highly cited | No |