College
College of Health Professions
Date of Last Revision
2023-05-04 10:37:36
Major
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
Honors Course
7700 496-002
Number of Credits
6
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts
Date of Expected Graduation
Fall 2020
Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine a unique interdisciplinary approach to ASD care that is utilized at KidsLink School/Neurobehavioral Center through a qualitative survey. This study determines the role of each interdisciplinary team member, the advantages and disadvantages of KidsLink’s approach, what is unique about their approach, and how a collaborative approach affects individual team members. METHODS: An online qualitative survey was distributed to KidsLink’s professional staff who are members on the interdisciplinary care teams. The survey results were read over three times in order to identify common themes and conduct a frequency analysis of codes across all participant responses. RESULTS: There were 23 participants and 11 different professional fields represented in the survey. Several common themes emerged from the data analysis including: communication and collaboration, consistency, clinician development, individualized care, efficiency, positive environment, and learning opportunities. DISCUSSION: This study is significant as no other research study on ASD interdisciplinary care was found that represents as many as 11 different professionals collaborating together. Participants stated more overall advantages than disadvantages to interdisciplinary care and explained they receive more support than other professionals in their fields. The study broadly concludes that the approach used at KidsLink offers several advantages for the professionals on the team, the parents, and the child.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Scott Palasik
First Reader
Jenna Day
Second Reader
Sophia Kraus
Honors Faculty Advisor
Nancy Harris
Recommended Citation
Duff, Theresa, "Qualitative Survey of a Collaborative Team Approach to Treating Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2020). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 1239.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/1239
Included in
Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Disability and Equity in Education Commons, Health and Medical Administration Commons, Interprofessional Education Commons, Special Education Administration Commons, Speech Pathology and Audiology Commons