AUTHOR=Gore Katherine , Gilbert Melissa , Hawke Marguerite , Barbaro Josephine 

TITLE=Investigating autism knowledge, self-efficacy, and confidence following maternal and child health nurse training for the early identification of autism

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Neurology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2023.1201292

DOI=10.3389/fneur.2023.1201292

ISSN=1664-2295

ABSTRACT=Abstract
Early identification of children at high likelihood for autism can lead to referral for diagnostic services and access to early supports, resulting in improved outcomes for children and families. Maternal and Child Health Nurses (MCHNs) in Victoria, Australia, are well-placed to monitor infants and toddlers for signs of autism, given children and caregivers attend free, regular, well-baby consultations from birth through to school age. This study aimed to identify the impact of personal and workplace factors on MCHNs’ competencies of autism knowledge, self-efficacy in identifying infants and toddlers on the spectrum, and confidence in speaking to parents/caregivers about autism. Additionally, the study sought to identify which personal and workplace factors might predict increased competency in these areas. After identifying training needs and current competency levels via a training needs analysis, 1428 MCHNs received training on the early signs of autism and in the use of the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance (SACS) tool for early autism identification; the training program was known as Monitoring of Social Attention, Interaction, and Communication (MoSAIC). Previous MCHN autism training and knowledge of autism community resources significantly contributed to increased MCHN self-efficacy in identifying infants and toddlers on the spectrum, while knowledge of community resources was the best predictor of confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism. Perceived self-efficacy and confidence in speaking with parents/caregivers about autism significantly increased following the MoSAIC autism training, demonstrating that targeted autism training for primary health practitioners is an important first step for early autism identification and initiating conversations with parents/caregivers. Frontiers journal page for full details.