Browsing by Author "Garman-McClaine, Blaine"

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    Assessing Perceptions, Confidence, and Training Needs of Medical Students in Autism Spectrum Disorder Care
    (2018) Aregbe, Adenike; Garman-McClaine, Blaine; Swiezy, Naomi; Neal, Tiffany
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents complex medical and behavioral needs, yet most medical students and healthcare providers receive limited preservice training on ASD-related care. This study evaluated the baseline attitudes, perceptions, and awareness of first-year medical students toward individuals with ASD, using the Survey of Autism Awareness and Practice (SAAP) in Medicine. Fifty-four first-year students at a Midwestern medical school completed the 74-item SAAP as part of a university-sponsored service-learning experience. Key findings revealed that while students were generally comfortable working with individuals with ASD, they expressed limited confidence in their skills and a strong need for additional training and access to resources. A majority of participants agreed they would benefit from targeted education on ASD care, though no statistically significant correlations were found between demographic characteristics and attitude responses. These results emphasize the urgent need for structured, evidence-based ASD education within medical curricula to ensure future physicians are equipped to provide competent, empathetic, and integrated care.
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    Driving Systemic Change in Autism Spectrum Disorder Services Through Statewide Planning, Gap Analysis, and Stakeholder Collaboration
    (2018) Swiezy, Naomi; Neal, Tiffany; Garman-McClaine, Blaine; Ashby, Iryna
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) continues to grow in prevalence, creating an urgent need for coordinated, high-quality, and culturally responsive services across systems. In Indiana, the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center was selected to lead facilitation of the Indiana Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (IIACC) and implementation of the Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Autism Services. Using evidence-based models such as the Collective Impact Model and implementation science frameworks (e.g., NIRN, START), HANDS conducted statewide gap analyses and built regional implementation teams to assess service needs, guide stakeholder collaboration, and develop strategic goals. Findings emphasized disparities in service access across urban, rural, and mixed regions, limited cultural representation, and a need for shared resource navigation. Progress to date includes increased stakeholder engagement, actionable state-level recommendations, and cross-system alignment focused on improving outcomes and quality of life for individuals with ASD and their families. The framework highlights an iterative, data-driven process for systemic change, applicable across broader ID/DD services.