Adaptation and pilot implementation of the Psychosocial Assessment Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorders (PAT-ASD)

Abstract

Recognizing the multifaceted and chronic demands on families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and challenges in providing care matched to need, we adapted the Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT), a brief caregiver-report screener of family psychosocial risk, for this population. Study methods included literature review, focus groups with providers, and feedback from caregivers. The PAT-ASD is consistent with the original PAT, with new items reflecting core behavioral manifestations of ASD and parent and family challenges associated with chronicity. The PAT-ASD was implemented in a four-month pilot and was completed online by 59% of families. Although further testing of its validity is necessary, the PAT-ASD is a promising means of assessing family psychosocial risk for families of children with ASD.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD); Psychosocial Assessment Tool (PAT); Psychosocial risk; children; families.

Fig. 1

Pediatric Psychosocial Preventative Health Model. Reproduced with permission from the Center for Healthcare Delivery Science (CHDS) at Nemours Children?s Health System ? 2022. All rights reserved. The PPPHM image may not be reproduced in any form for any purpose without the express written permission of CHDS. To obtain permission to use or reproduce the most recent version of the PPPHM, please contact CHDS at psychosocialassessmenttool@nemours.org.