The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Despite the aging of the autism population, services continue to lag behind the need. When the need is great and options are limited, it is critical that the commitment to quality not be sacrificed. The panel will examine the question of quality in the delivery of adult services. Despite the inevitable aging of the autism population, services for adults continue to lag behind the need for such services. A variety of factors contribute to this gap, including broad issues of public policy and narrower issues of individual needs and preferences. When the need is great, when funding is poor and options are limited, it is critical that the commitment to quality not be sacrificed.

The effectiveness of our decision-making models depends on an intensely individualized treatment planning process. However, at times, our indiviudalized processes can blind us to the broader system considerations which may be necessary to support those individualized services. Looking at individual cases, we may do an excellent job identifying those factors which are unique to each individual and use this information to guide our thinking. However, we may fail to recognize fundamental patterns which cut across individuals and which reflect on our organizational structure and systems. These may include issues such as staffing considerations, recruitment and hiring practices, pre-service training programs and numerous other logistical considerations. This is the role of Quality Assurance, or to be more current in our terminology, Continuous Quality Improvement.

The panel will examine the question of quality in the delivery of adult services and will present an integrated model for recognizing and promoting quality.

On the nature of quality:

The first presentation will explore the concept of quality as it applies to adult serice systems. The presentation will examine the relationship between mission and services and will de-construct the notion of Continuous Quality Improvement. The presentation asks the question, "Is there a set of circumstances, or antecedent conditions, in an organization which promotes quality?" The presentation will identify key concepts which can provide the foundation for an effective program of Quality Assurance and will discuss the problems which may arise when quality is defined as a regulatory construct. The presentation will advocate for an approach in which the commitment to quality drives the program of Continuous Quality Improvement.

Quality indicators:

The second presentation will explore the question of quality indicators in adult services. To-date, most of the work that has been done on quality indicators has focused on school-based services. The presentation asks the question, "To what extent can we apply school-based quality indicators in order to improve adult services?" The presentation will review and discuss that work in order to highlight those indicators that may have particular relevance for adult services. The presentation will also explore the appropriateness and the effectiveness of the transitional I.E.P. as a tool for promoting quality in adult services.

Quality systems:

The third presentation will examine the array of systems which can be utilized in adult services to identify, monitor and promote quality processes and quality outcomes. The presentation asks the question, "What are the key components of a comprehensive, integrated quality assurance system in an agency delivering services to adults with autism?" The presentation will discuss clinical and supervisory aspects of quality assurance. The presentation will examine the changing roles and responsibilities of oversight committees and will discuss strategies to insure that such committees have a real impact on services.

Successes, trends, challenges and recommendations:

The panelists will discuss successes, trends, challenges and recommendations in the design and delivery of adult services. It is anticipated that this will be a wide-ranging discussion, but it is likely to include some discussion of quality of life and effectiveness of treatment, of balancing process and outcome and of the role of the individual with autism in a quality model.

Content Area: Transition Planning and Options for Adulthood