Authors: Rena Shrestha, Josephine Barbaro & Cheryl Dissanayake
In this study, researchers sought to train female community health workers on developmental surveillance of autism, evaluate their knowledge on child development and ability to detect early signs of autism in infants and toddlers. Researchers recruited 60 FCHVs from Kirtipur, Nepal. During the study, participants were trained on social attention and communication development in children, the early signs of autism, and the Social Attention and Communication Surveillance—Nepal (SACS-N) checklist. At 12-months follow-up, researchers found a significant improvement in FCHV’s knowledge and confidence in monitoring and recognizing autism. Overall, this study demonstrates that CHWs may be successful in identifying and treating children with autism in their communities.
Link: Changes in Knowledge on the Signs of Autism in Young Children (11–30 Months) among Female Community Health Volunteers in Nepal
Resource Topic: Autism, Community Health Workers/Volunteers, Training
Resource Type: Research
Year: 2022
Region: Asia
Country: Nepal
Publisher May Restrict Access: No