Abstract:
Continuity of care for autistic children is a significant challenge for care providers. Structured play activities are an evidence-based
intervention for skill development among these children. An adaptive Collaborative Care Model (CCM) was implemented at the
primary care level as a community-co-designed model to conduct evidence-based interventions with continuous follow-ups. The
study was validated through periodical assessments of child growth milestones. The model enhanced independence, showing 82%
improvement in gross motor skill development and 52% in pre-learning activities. In terms of life skill development, 35% of
individuals still required guidance to perform tasks. The fidelity of the study demonstrated a 2:1 ratio of children to Community
Health Workers (CHWs) in service delivery. The penetration of the study was highlighted by the continuous growth in the number of
beneficiaries and the involvement of CHWs in service delivery. This model holds promise for not only Sri Lanka but also other
countries in the region. By adapting the collaborative care approach to local contexts, other countries can similarly enhance the
developmental outcomes of autistic children through structured play and continuous follow-up. The successful implementation and
scalability of this model make it a viable solution for addressing the challenges in continuity of care for autistic children across the
region.
