Impact Analysis and Program Reporting for Community-Based Autism Support Services

Abstract

This practicum, completed at HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, focused on program evaluation and impact reporting in collaboration with Tri Kappa, Inc. The project involved data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization to evaluate the distribution and outcomes of sensory kits, visual supports, and Next Steps™ workshops designed to assist individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using Excel for analysis and Tableau for visualization, the student produced a comprehensive report to support donor communication and stakeholder engagement. Key findings included a significant increase in kit distribution between 2021 and 2022 and consistently high satisfaction ratings (4.5/5) from workshop attendees. The practicum contributed to improved communication strategies, informed funding proposals, and demonstrated the practical value of data-driven program evaluation in supporting ASD-related services.