Parent Consultation and Transitional Care for Military Families of Children with Autism: A Teleconsultation Implementation Project

ABSTRACT

Military families face challenges when a dependent child is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and local treatment expertise for children with an ASD is unavailable. eHealth models are considered promising delivery methods for assisting families who need information and support. The adaptation of existing face-to-face models of care for remote delivery may help support the provision of quality care (Hall & Bierman, 2015). To support the needs of military families of children with ASDs, the Remote Check-up (RCU), an adaptation of the Family Check-Up (FCU) model (Shaw, Dishion, Supplee, Gardner, & Arnds, 2006) provides a family-centered intervention for transitional care. This article describes the development of an eHealth delivery model and a menu of service options including online learning materials, care coordination services, and behavioral consultation for military families of children with ASD.

KEYWORDS:

• telepractice
• military families
• consultation

Acknowledgments

The author formally acknowledges the following researchers in crafting the ongoing TeleConsult project: Dr. Erica D. Culler (co-principal investigator), Dr. Jeremy D. Moeller, Dr. Daniel F. Perkins, Ms. Megan C. Runion, Ms. Rebecca Bertuccio, and Ms. Leah J. Hunter. Without the support of the research team, the TeleConsult project would not be possible. This project is possible because of a grant from the Social Science Research Institute and ongoing support from the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at the Pennsylvania State University.

Additional information

Funding

The funding was provided by a grant from the Social Science Research Institute at the Pennsylvania State University.

Notes on contributors

Cristin M. Hall

Dr. Cristin Hall is an Assistant Professor of Education in the School Psychology Program at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research largely focuses on technology-assisted dissemination and implementation of evidence-based practices for remote and under-served populations. Dr. Hall''s other research includes the study of social-emotional interventions for children and school readiness.