6113 Voices of parents: experiences with autism spectrum disorder assessment in Croydon paediatric community

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the satisfaction level of parents with the process of assessing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Croydon Paediatric Community. It also seeks to identify areas that need improvement, especially in light of the introduction of virtual clinics due to COVID-19. Methods Targeted population: Children who received ASD assessment in Croydon Paediatric Community between October 1, 2022, and November 30, 2022. Study Design: This study was conducted as a survey-based retrospective observational study. The study gathered information regarding level of satisfaction out of 5, with 5 being very satisfied, in specific aspects of the process of assessment of autism Data Analysis Quantitative analysis for closed-ended survey questions. Sentiment analysis or Opinion mining technique for the open-ended survey questions. Results Majority of parents 88.9% agreed with the diagnosis given. Disagreements were related to the adequacy of the assessment process as some children were only seen once. 67% of respondents reported undergoing a play-based assessment (ADOS). The mean score for satisfaction with the feedback given after the ADOS was 3.79 Most respondents reported feeling satisfied with how well they were listened to with a mean satisfaction score of 4.26 out of 5. The mean satisfaction score for the final diagnostic appointment is 4.33 out of 5. The preponderance of respondents rated their satisfaction with the time that the diagnostic assessment process takes as either 4 or 5 out of 5, but a smaller percentage were neutral or dissatisfied (mean score of 3.55 out of 5). The most frequently mentioned negative sentiment was related to the doctor's lack of engagement or consideration during the appointment, while the predominant positive sentiment was related to the doctor's sensitivity and helpfulness in providing information. Suggestions to improve the process of assessment and diagnosis included increasing the time allocated for assessments, providing more face-to-face appointments, and improving communication between medical professionals and parents/caregivers. Conclusion Overall, the study provides insights into the experiences of parents/caregivers of children with ASD during the assessment and diagnostic process. While the majority of respondents reported feeling satisfied with their diagnostic appointment, there were some concerns raised about the adequacy of the assessment process, particularly in terms of the amount of time allocated and the number of face-to-face appointments provided. The study highlights the importance of improving communication between medical professionals and parents/caregivers, providing more information about the assessment process, and offering greater flexibility in terms of virtual versus in-person consultations.