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Indiana Autism Needs Assessment (Survey, Interview, Focus Group)
HANDS in Autism® is conducting an Assessment of Needs in ASD Resources and Services in the State of Indiana. The data collected serves to inform the State and best guide recommendations for policies, processes, services, and programming as it pertains to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Indiana.
We are looking for participants from Indiana who are impacted by ASD, including but not limited to individuals with ASD over 18 years of age, their family members and caregivers, education personnel, medical professionals, justice and public safety personnel, community providers and employers. Potential participants can participate in an online, anonymous survey. The needs assessment survey takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.
To contribute to a more complete gap analysis, the HANDS in Autism® team and project coordinators will also be conducting individual interviews via phone or web conference and focus groups or live forums across a range of stakeholder groups with efforts made to ensure representation spanning the various regions of Indiana and beyond.
Need support or alternate formats to complete the survey? Request accommodations online or contact us at hands@iupui.edu.
For more information about this study or to request necessary accommodations to complete this survey, contact Drs. Naomi Swiezy and/or Tiffany Neal, coordinators of this project, at hands@iupui.edu or call 317-274-2675.
Conducted by the HANDS in Autism® Interdisciplinary Training and Resource Center, Department of Psychiatry, IU School of Medicine on behalf of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA). Approved by the Indiana University IRB #2004206065. Primary Investigator: Naomi Swiezy, PhD, HSPP
How do we use Needs Assessment data?
By completing the needs assessment survey, you provide input about the status of ASD and the services, resources and supports in your community. Your local perspective is invaluable in the State’s evaluation of ASD challenges and/or gaps in services and supports. Information collected as part of the needs assessment is used in determining state and local efforts necessary to expand the range of services and supports for individuals with ASD.
Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Individuals with ASD
The Needs Assessment is used to inform the activities of the Indiana Interagency Coordinating Council (IIACC) and the content of the Indiana Comprehensive State Plan for Individuals with ASD. The State uses the Comprehensive State Plan to direct efforts and resources in addressing Indiana’s most pressing ASD needs. The Comprehensive State Plan currently focuses on the following goals:
- Family and Professional Partnerships
- Access to Community-Based Services
- Early Screening and Identification
- Transition to Adulthood
- Insurance (including Autism Mandates)
- Justice System & Public Safety
- Culturally Responsive Implementation
IIACC-Developed Resources that Use Needs Assessment Data
- Explore IIACC-Developed Resources
- Explore Annual Reports by Indiana Interagency Autism Coordinating Council
Share information about the Needs Assessment using this flyer
Autism Knowledge Survey
In an effort to explore the level of understanding and collaboration among autism community members, we are investigating the differences in beliefs and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder across parents, educational personnel, medical professionals, and licensed therapists with varying levels of experience with autism. Please consider taking the survey knowing your input informs our work towards the fostering of a mutual level of understanding and more effective bridging of the systems of support that exist to help families, caregivers, and individuals affected by autism spectrum disorder. The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete with all responses being anonymous.