Browsing by Subject "Individuals with ASD"

Now showing 1 - 10 of 36
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    Analyzing Autism Spectrum Disorder Behaviors Through Evidence-Based Educational Models in School Support Settings
    (2022-05) Boligorla, Srinivasulu; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often presents with challenging behaviors that require structured, evidence-based educational strategies. This practicum focused on implementing and evaluating the HANDS in Autism® model across three collaborative school sites (Warsaw, Lakeview, and Gateway) to monitor and improve the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) for managing problem behaviors among students with ASD. Data were collected using REDCap, cleaned and analyzed in R and Excel, and visualized to compare the proportion of students exhibiting problem behaviors across schools and visits. Results suggested variation in behavioral trends across school sites, with Warsaw showing higher proportions of students demonstrating problem behaviors during observed visits. The findings support the value of systematic monitoring and data-driven implementation of EBPs in improving behavioral outcomes and reducing the use of exclusionary discipline in autism support classrooms.
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    Analyzing Behavioral Patterns in Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Settings for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    (2023) Bodempudi, Sai Tejaswi; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    This project focused on analyzing behavioral patterns in patients at the Indiana NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI) over a three-year period (2021–2023). Using data from Cerner and REDCap, the study examined the frequency and types of physical and verbal aggression among 100 patients. The analysis identified “Other/Unspecified” as the most commonly reported category for both physical and verbal aggression, suggesting the need for improved classification methods. “Hitting,” “kicking,” “verbal threats,” and “screaming” were also frequent behaviors. Year-to-year variation in certain behaviors, such as an increase in “punching” in 2023, points to changing trends in patient aggression. Recommendations include refining behavior categorization, improving data extraction from Cerner, and developing more targeted intervention strategies to support patient care and staff safety. The project also emphasized the value of ethical research practices, collaborative teamwork, and data accuracy through recurring tasks such as scoring, entry, and validation.
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    Assessing Behavioral Outcomes in Youth with Autism Following Evidence-Based Interventions
    (2022-12) Navudu, Sai Pooja; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    This practicum, completed at HANDS in Autism® in collaboration with the Indiana NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI), focused on evaluating the behavioral outcomes of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receiving psychiatric services. The project involved systematic data collection from the Cerner patient portal, followed by data harmonization in Microsoft Excel and coding using REDCap. Psychiatric and behavioral factors were coded to identify patterns and changes in behavior across treatment episodes. The goal was to assess the effectiveness of autism-related services and interventions provided within the inpatient setting. Results from this exploratory analysis will inform potential modifications to HANDS training modules and curricula to better align with client needs and improve long-term care outcomes for individuals with ASD. The practicum also provided practical training in data analysis, coding, and interpretation of real-world clinical data.
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    Assessing Caregiver and Provider Knowledge Gaps in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Autism Knowledge Survey
    (2023-04-24) Simhadri, Suguna; Neal, Tiffany; Swiezy, Naomi
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is often misunderstood, leading to delays in diagnosis, intervention, and support. The Autism Knowledge Survey (AKS) was developed to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to shared understanding among caregivers, educators, and providers. During this practicum at HANDS in Autism®, the student focused on reviewing and preparing data from the second iteration of the AKS (AKS2), integrating it with AKS1 to support manuscript development and future journal submission. Tasks included manuscript review, dataset refinement, and statistical analysis using REDCap, R, and Microsoft Excel. Results from AKS2 will inform targeted ASD education efforts and improve stakeholder understanding of core diagnostic and intervention principles. The practicum reinforced the importance of data-informed dissemination in reducing stigma and guiding community-based training and outreach for ASD.
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    Assessing Clinical Global Impressions Severity Scores in Adults with Autism Across Counties: A Coordinated Care Study from Preadmission to Post-Discharge
    (2023-08-04) Enugu, Hari Priya Reddy; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    This practicum, conducted at HANDS in Autism® in collaboration with the Indiana NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI), aimed to examine changes in behavioral severity among adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) Severity Scale. Data were collected from REDCap across multiple stages of care, including preadmission, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month post-discharge intervals. Severity scores were categorized by county and visualized using Excel, Python, and Tableau to assess behavioral change trends. Results showed a clear reduction in severity from preadmission (primarily scores of 6–7) to post-discharge (with most scores at 5 or below), suggesting improved outcomes following inpatient intervention. This analysis supports the value of longitudinal tracking using standardized tools like CGI to inform treatment planning and promote recovery monitoring in adults with ASD.
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    Assessing Outcomes of Evidence-Based Practices Through Violence Risk Assessment and Clinical Global Impression (CGI) Analysis in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
    (2023-04-28) Darsanapu, Archana; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    This practicum at HANDS in Autism®, in collaboration with the Indiana NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI), aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an evidence-based coordinated care approach for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receiving inpatient psychiatric services. The study compared pre-admission data collected via Cerner and post-discharge data collected through REDCap for 42 individuals. Using the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale and Violence Risk Assessment (VRA), the project measured behavioral outcomes following treatment. Data were coded, analyzed using Python and Excel, and visualized to assess changes in severity and improvement scores. Results showed that 31 of 42 patients demonstrated measurable improvement. The findings support the use of integrated data systems and standardized behavioral tools to monitor treatment impact and reduce risks associated with behavioral health crises. This project contributes to ongoing evaluation of treatment interventions and development of comprehensive, individualized care plans for youth with ASD.
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    Assessing Patient Characteristics and Improving Data Accessibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder Inpatient Programs.
    (2023-12) Darsanapu, Archana; Neal, Tiffany; Deodhar, Aditi; Swiezy, Naomi
    This project focused on enhancing healthcare data visualization and accessibility for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receiving inpatient psychiatric services. Data review and quality assurance were conducted using REDCap, with a focus on accuracy and completeness of patient demographic and service data. An interactive Power BI dashboard was developed using REDCap-exported datasets to visualize trends in service characteristics, patient profiles, and healthcare utilization. Although dynamic integration through API was not available, the dashboard was built with scalable design features to support future real-time functionality. Additional responsibilities included coordinating evaluations, supporting subgroup communication, and organizing timelines to ensure consistent data workflows across projects. The effort demonstrates the practical value of integrating informatics tools in ASD clinical settings to support data-driven care, team collaboration, and strategic decision-making.
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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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    Assessing Perceptions, Confidence, and Training Needs of Medical Students in Autism Spectrum Disorder Care
    (2018) Passwater, Canaan; Neal, Tiffany; Swiezy, Naomi
    As Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) becomes increasingly prevalent, addressing the stigma surrounding it is essential for improving outcomes for individuals with ASD. The Autism Knowledge Survey (AKS), originally designed to measure autism-related knowledge, may also provide insights into stigma-related beliefs held by professionals and the general public. This exploratory analysis identifies six AKS items that may reflect stigmatizing beliefs, related to misconceptions about emotional connection, cooperation, independence, and social attachment in individuals with ASD. Survey responses collected across multiple summers from educational professionals suggest that stigma and knowledge may be inversely related. By identifying which misconceptions persist, ASD training programs such as HANDS in Autism® can better tailor educational content to reduce stigma and improve the effectiveness of support systems. Further research using dedicated stigma scales is recommended to validate these preliminary findings and enhance the precision of stigma measurement across stakeholder groups.
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    Assessing Regional and Stakeholder Needs for Autism Spectrum Disorder Services in Indiana
    (2015-08) Philo , Sarah E.; Neal, Tiffany; Swiezy, Naomi
    Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the most prevalent developmental disorder in the United States, with increasing demand for services across regions. Despite this rise in prevalence, access to timely, evidence-based, and affordable services remains inconsistent, particularly across rural areas. This study aimed to assess the perceived needs, barriers, and service gaps among key stakeholders across Indiana. A statewide Needs Assessment Survey, led by the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center (2014–2015), collected responses from caregivers, educators, medical providers, community-based professionals, and individuals with ASD. Findings highlighted a lack of service providers, especially in rural communities, and inadequate funding as the top barriers. While each stakeholder group identified distinct priorities, the data revealed many shared challenges and goals. Results will be used to inform policy recommendations, support the development of the Indiana State Autism Plan, and guide future programming through the Indiana Interagency Autism Coordinating Council (IIACC). These findings underscore the need for cross-sector collaboration and regional customization in autism service planning.