With autism diagnoses on the rise and a shortage of developmental-behavioral subspecialists, many pediatric care providers are stepping up to play a more active role in supporting families of children with autism. Research shows that families experience greater satisfaction when a diagnosis is presented thoughtfully — when their concerns are acknowledged, and they receive clear information about autism and the opportunity to ask questions. However, many primary care providers feel underprepared to discuss autism diagnoses, provide specific recommendations, and guide families through next steps.
To address these needs, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center (VKC) faculty* have developed a free, interactive learning module aimed at equipping pediatric providers with the skills to navigate autism discussions effectively. This training module offers structured guidance for providers involved in diagnosing autism or discussing developmental differences. Through real-life scenarios, culturally sensitive approaches, and family-centered resources, this module prepares providers to offer meaningful support and information in a variety of contexts.
The module includes modeled discussion techniques, visual and audio examples, interactive exercises, and case-based learning to foster practical, applicable skills. Additionally, the module has led to the development of a medical simulation experience that allows providers to practice these conversations in a realistic setting.
Tori Foster, Ph.D., BCBA
“We are very excited to offer this new resource to support both pediatric care providers and families,” said Tori Foster, Ph.D., BCBA, assistant professor of Pediatrics and a lead developer on the project. “We also are evaluating outcomes by studying the acceptability, utility, and impact of these offerings on provider confidence and demonstrated competence in key practice areas such as making a formal diagnosis, communicating with and providing diagnostic feedback to families, and counseling families about recommendations and referrals. By studying the outcomes, we aim to measure the impact of these resources on providers’ confidence and skills, from making diagnoses to guiding families with clarity and compassion.”
Foster says the new training tools are part of an ongoing commitment to supporting pediatric professionals in delivering compassionate, informed autism care to children and their families.
“This work was born out of a desire to improve support for autistic children and their families by better equipping pediatric professionals to provide competent care,” said Foster. “This aligns with Vanderbilt’s commitment to personalizing patient and family experiences, providing high-impact training, and innovating health care delivery. It also aligns with the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center mission to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. In addition, our affiliations with VUMC and the VKC have afforded us the necessary resources and connections for developing and disseminating novel resources to a vast range of learners/trainees, providers, and professional communities.”
The module can be accessed on the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center website at https://vkc.vumc.org/trainings/DiscussingAutism/ or by using the QR code below. For additional provider resources and training offerings surrounding autism diagnosis, visit https://triad.vumc.org/provider-portal.
*Tori Foster, Ph.D., BCBA, assistant professor of Pediatrics, VKC TRIAD/Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC); Cara Miller, M.D., Child Neurology Resident (PGY-5), Vanderbilt Division of General Pediatrics, VUMC; Tara Minor Ph.D., Senior Program Manager, Pediatric Residency and Fellowship Programs / Senior Learning Consultant, Vanderbilt Consortium LEND, VUMC; and Jeffrey Hine PhD, BCBA: Director of Primary Care Outreach/Training, VKC TRIAD/VUMC
