Autism Secondary Data Analysis Program - Children with autism spectrum disorder and/or developmental disabilities (autism/DD) are more likely to have child protection systems (CPS) contact than their peers. Yet, there is limited information about CPS interactions for children with autism/DD, including reports, investigations, and foster care placements. Both children with autism/DD and children with CPS contact have complex health needs. But there is limited evidence about the children who belong to both populations. Additionally, it is unknown what health care services children with autism/DD have when in foster care. Consequently, there is a lack of evidence to inform policy and practice, including efforts to improve the health of children with autism/DD. The overall objective of the proposed study is to characterize CPS interactions and identify health care services access during foster care placements for children with autism/DD. To accomplish this objective, the project’s research team will analyze a novel, population-based, linked dataset of Medicaid claims and CPS records from two states – the Child and Caregiver Outcomes Using Linked Data (CCOULD) dataset. Population-based data containing both detailed CPS records and Medicaid claims records for two states is unprecedented and will provide novel evidence. To attain the overall objective, the following specific aims will be addressed: (1) characterize the CPS interactions of children with and without diagnoses of autism/DD; and (2) assess key access to health care services during foster care placements for children with autism/DD diagnoses. This project will leverage the rich linked dataset to examine the interactions children diagnosed with autism/DD have with CPS and their access to health care services during foster care placements, comparing these outcomes to children without such diagnoses. The proposed study addresses a timely need to ascertain the CPS interactions and access of heath care services for children with autism/DD. Comprehensive, population-level CPS and Medicaid records for two states is unparalleled and promises to yield unique insights into how these children interact with CPS, which health care services are being utilized, and what treatment gaps and barriers may exist. This evidence is critical for the development and implementation of impactful strategies to ensure children with autism/DD are receiving needed health care services and service coordination from these important systems.
