The Developmental Check-In (DCI), developed through research by The Boggs Center in collaboration with Children’s Specialized Hospital, could potentially enhance the early identification of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in low literacy groups. Children from low-income, minority families or those with limited English proficiency are diagnosed with ASD at a later age, or not at all, compared with their more advantaged peers. The DCI uses pictures to illustrate target behaviors, and findings suggest that it may reduce linguistic and health literacy demands when screening for ASD among vulnerable populations.  

 Project Contact: Caroline N. Coffield, PhD 

 Video Abstract:  https://video.publications.aap.org/pedsvideoabstracts/detail/videos/autism-asd/video/6193196537001

 Publications:  

• Harris, J.F., Coffield, C.N. Janvier, Y.M., Mandell,D., & Cidav, Z. (2020). Validation of The Developmental Check-In (DCI): A Visual, Low-Literacy ASD Screening Tool. Pediatrics.147(1).  https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-3659 

• Coffield, C. N., Harris, J. F., Janvier, Y. M., Lopez, M., Gonzalez, N., & Jimenez, M. E. (2020). Parental concerns of underserved young children at risk for autism. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 31(2), 742-755. https://doi:10.1353/hpu.2020.0058 
• Janvier, Y. M., Coffield, C. N., Harris, J. F., Mandell, D. S., & Cidav, Z. (2019). The Developmental Check-In: Development and initial testing of an autism screening tool targeting young children from underserved communities. Autism, 23(3), 689-698. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361318770430 

This qualitative study was funded by the NJ Governor’s Council for Medical Research and Treatment of Autism to examine the experiences of Latino families with young children during the critical first year following autism diagnosis. The goal of this research was to develop a deeper understanding of the impact of an ASD diagnosis on the family and the pathyways, including barriers, from identification of initial developmental concerns to receive of diagnosis and connection to intervention/ services as families were moving through these processes. Clinicians and policymakers can use findings from the study to better support the needs of Latino families whose children are at risk for ASD as initial concerns arise through the diagnostic process and connection to intervention services.    

Project Contact: Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD; Caroline N. Coffield, PhD 

Video Abstract: https://journals.lww.com/jrnldbp/pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=127

Publications:  

• Coffield, C.N., Spitalnik, D.M., Harris, J.F., & Jimenez, M.E. (in press). Exploring the Experiences of Families of Latino Children Newly Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. 

In collaboration with the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, The Boggs Center supports care coordination for adults with developmental disabilities at the Department's ambulatory care site in New Brunswick. A resource unit provides care coordination and supports faculty and resident physicians in caring for patients with developmental disabilities. 

Project Contact: Deborah M. Spitalnik, PhD 

The Autism Intervention Research Network for Physical Health (AIR-P) is an interdisciplinary, multicenter research network for scientific collaboration and infrastructure to increase the life expectancy and quality of life for autistic individuals, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. The purpose of the AIR-P is to support innovative life course intervention research that promotes optimal health and well-being of autistic individuals across the lifespan. The Boggs Center is a Collaborating Research Entities in the AIR-P network. 

Project Contact: Caroline N. Coffield, PhD

The Boggs Center is a partner in the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities, a coalition of eight national partners led by the University of Cincinnati Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, including: The Maryland Center for Developmental Disabilities, The Boggs Center on Disability and Human Development, University of Kentucky - University Center on Disability, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Family Voices, the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network, and the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry. Funded by the Administration on Community Living, US DHHS, the Center's goal is to identify and reduce life-limiting healthcare inequities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) by improving access to anti-discrimination medical protocols and other materials.   

 Project Contact: https://centerfordignity.com/ 

In partnership with SPAN Parent Advocacy, The Boggs Center co-leads New Jersey’s State Act Early Response Team through a one-year grant opportunity by through the Act Early Network of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This initiaitive is focused enhancing the capacity of early childhood state systems to support recovery, strengthen resilience skills, behaviors, and resources of children, families, and communities, amidst the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.  

Project Contact: Caroline N. Coffield, PhD