Comparative Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder Service Outcomes Before and After Inpatient Care

Abstract

This practicum, conducted at HANDS in Autism® in collaboration with the Indiana NeuroDiagnostic Institute (NDI), aimed to evaluate changes in service delivery and patient outcomes for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receiving inpatient psychiatric care. Data were retrieved from the Cerner electronic health record system, coded using REDCap, and analyzed to compare behavioral and clinical outcomes across four assessment points. Narrative analysis and quantitative coding were used to identify patterns, assess program effectiveness, and inform future implementation of evidence-based practices (EBPs). The project also emphasized data harmonization and variable identification to guide systemic improvements. The findings will support the development of a structured HANDS model training curriculum and inform future post-discharge planning and cross-system collaboration strategies to reduce readmissions and improve long-term outcomes.