Telehealth program for autistic children reaches rural communities to reduce wait time

To combat long wait times many families face when trying to see an autism specialist, the University of Missouri developed a telehealth program specifically for children with autism in rural communities. The program aims to expand to additional rural communities within the U.S. and Africa in the coming months.

Developed by Kristin Sohl, MD, associate professor of child health at the University of Missouri and the director of Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Autism, the system cuts wait times and travel expenses for families trying to reach an autism specialist. Telehealth is poised to be a changing factor in providing these children the care they require from specialists who are often located out of state.

Beginning development in 2015, the ECHO program utilized high quality video conferencing technology to connect autistic patients with primary care physicians or a panel of specialists. In testing the effectiveness of the program, researchers found primary care physicians to be specifically more adept to providing autistic care. The program improved screening, identification, assessment, treatment of medical and psychiatric conditions and referral resources.

"Since the initial studies of ECHO Autism, nearly 250 health providers have received training on best-practice care," Sohl said. "The program effectively increases the capacity for healthcare in underserved communities, which means that families can get the answers they need without traveling or waiting to see a specialist."

The next step for Sohl is to expand the program into Alabama, Alaska and Navajo communities in New Mexico and Arizona. In the previous year, ECHO provided autism specific training in Uruguay and hopes to offer services in Kenya.

"The success we have seen in Missouri and in other areas where ECHO Autism has been replicated means that this model can work in even more remote areas," Sohl said. "Expanding the program from Africa to Alaska will help families around the world."