Overview of ASD for Medial Social Workers (WITHDRAWN)

Gentry: Overview of ASD for Medical Social Workers Abstract

Abstract: Currently, one out of 68 individuals are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The Center of Disease Control (CDC) suggests that those statics are on the rise. With that understanding, it is imperative that medical providers, including social workers, hold a dynamic understanding of ASD and how to adapt their practice accordingly. This research is intended increase awareness and acceptance of ASD within Medical Social Work and specifically evaluates whether through the provision of a pilot education program regarding ASD, medical social workers will have increase in knowledge about ASD and skills  to appropriately adapt evidence based practices- specifically psychosocial assessments. Methods:  The current pilot study adopted a single group pre-test and post-test design. A convenience sample of 8 medical social workers was recruited from a local children’s hospital.  Participants completed a brief survey followed by a brief group education pilot program. The program was a single session 45minute intervention conducted during lunch break. Follow-up surveys were conductet at the same session after the completion of the education program. Paired sample T-Tests were conducted to investigate changes in participants’ knowledge about ASD and their skills regarding practice before and after receiving the brief education pilot intervention. Result: Participants scores an average of 74.85% on Pre-Tests and 100% on Post-Tests with an average difference of mean scores of 29.28%  (SD=18.61%). Participants demonstrated significant increase in knowledge about ASD and skills after receiving the educational program  (p=0.002). Conclusion: After participants were provided with educational material, participants’ understanding of ASD increased, in addition to their ability to identify possible intervention and communication strategies. Our preliminary finding suggests that it is evident that the provided intervention was, in fact, effective and verified through a trend line identified on the difference between the averages. Implications: Based on current findings, the provision of additional supplemental information, including in-service trainings regarding ASD to medical social workers may be beneficial in the hospital setting.  Further research needs to be conducted on a broader scope with more participants across a larger geographical region to confirm or refute this study’s findings. Finally, reinforces the need to continue to advocate for awareness and acceptance of ASD across micro, meso, and macro populations.