Can a Novel Telemedicine Tool Reduce Disparities Related to the Identification of Preschool Children With Autism?

All consented families will complete an initial home-based tele-assessment visit via Zoom that includes the TAP-Preschool and a brief symptom-focused developmental interview with a consented clinician. The initial tele-assessment session includes interviewing and developmental assessment to mimic real-world use of TAP-Preschool. After the session, the examiner will record the clinical diagnosis issued (ASD, other developmental concerns, or typical development) and complete two diagnostic certainty ratings. All initial TAP-Preschool administrations will be recorded via Zoom, and 50% of administrations (randomly selected) will be co-scored by a blinded examiner, unaware of prior assessment results and diagnostic decision, to evaluate inter-rater reliability. Within 7 days of the remote assessment, families will participate in an in-person diagnostic assessment including common comprehensive measures of ASD, cognitive skills, and adaptive behavior.

Consented families will complete home-based tele-assessment via Zoom that includes the TAP-Preschool. Each participant will have recent data available from comprehensive evaluation tools (ADOS-2, cognitive functioning, adaptive skills). After the session, participating caregivers will provide information about acceptability and challenges.