This DNP quality improvement project examined whether targeted provider training could improve identification of high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children and adolescents presenting with comorbid ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation at a small psychiatric practice in central Oregon. Using a pre- and post-intervention design, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners received an educational training on ASD screening tools, specifically the ASSQ, and DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, with outcomes measured through Likert-scale confidence surveys and EHR-extracted F84.0 diagnosis rates over a 3-month period. The provider who received in-person training exceeded the project benchmark of a ≥25% increase in ASD diagnoses at both follow-up intervals, while the provider trained via recorded video showed only a minimal increase, suggesting that training modality may influence clinical uptake. Although data integrity issues were identified, preliminary findings support broader ASD screening in psychiatric settings to reduce diagnostic delays and improve access to early intervention in individuals with high-functioning ASD.
