Autism Awareness & Early Screening Support in Bulloch County: A Health Communication and Advocacy Plan for a Rural Georgia Community
Faculty Mentor
Katie Mercer
Location
Russell Union Ballroom
Type of Research
Proposed
Session Format
Poster Presentation
College
Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health
Department
Health Policy and Community Health
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence has increased in the United States, yet disparities in early identification and access to services persist, particularly for rural and low-income families. In Bulloch County, Georgia, caregivers continue to face gaps in awareness, timely screening, and navigation of local resources. The Behavioral Pediatrics Resource Center (BPRC) addresses these gaps through community education, training, and family support.
Objective: To increase community awareness of ASD and promote early developmental screening among families of children ages 0-10 in Bulloch County using an evidence-informed communication and advocacy approach.
Methods: Guided by the Health Belief Model, this plan centers on a low-literacy, community-friendly fact sheet that explains early signs of ASD, corrects common misconceptions (including vaccine-related myths), and provides clear cues to action and local resource pathways through BPRC. Primary audiences are parents/caregivers of children ages 0-10; secondary audiences include educators, childcare providers, pediatric clinics, and faith-based/community leaders. Distribution will occur through schools, clinics, childcare centers, community events, and digital channels.
Evaluation: A mixed-methods evaluation will assess process and outcomes over nine months using distribution tracking, digital engagement metrics, and pre/post caregiver surveys. Key targets include distribution of 500 fact sheets, ≥70% of surveyed caregivers identifying two early ASD signs and one local resource, a ≥20% increase in caregiver intention to seek screening, and a ≥10% increase in screening inquiries/referrals within 12 months. Partner feedback will be collected to assess acceptability, clarity, and sustainability.
Expected Impact: This initiative aims to reduce misinformation, strengthen caregiver knowledge and self-efficacy, and support earlier screening and connection to services, contributing to more equitable ASD identification and support in a rural Georgia county.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Health Communication, Advocacy, Rural Health, Program Evaluation
Program Description
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Start Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 12:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Muntaha, Adra S. and Mercer, Katie, "Autism Awareness & Early Screening Support in Bulloch County: A Health Communication and Advocacy Plan for a Rural Georgia Community" (2026). GS4 Student Scholars Symposium. 21.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/research_symposium/2026/2026/21
Autism Awareness & Early Screening Support in Bulloch County: A Health Communication and Advocacy Plan for a Rural Georgia Community
Russell Union Ballroom
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence has increased in the United States, yet disparities in early identification and access to services persist, particularly for rural and low-income families. In Bulloch County, Georgia, caregivers continue to face gaps in awareness, timely screening, and navigation of local resources. The Behavioral Pediatrics Resource Center (BPRC) addresses these gaps through community education, training, and family support.
Objective: To increase community awareness of ASD and promote early developmental screening among families of children ages 0-10 in Bulloch County using an evidence-informed communication and advocacy approach.
Methods: Guided by the Health Belief Model, this plan centers on a low-literacy, community-friendly fact sheet that explains early signs of ASD, corrects common misconceptions (including vaccine-related myths), and provides clear cues to action and local resource pathways through BPRC. Primary audiences are parents/caregivers of children ages 0-10; secondary audiences include educators, childcare providers, pediatric clinics, and faith-based/community leaders. Distribution will occur through schools, clinics, childcare centers, community events, and digital channels.
Evaluation: A mixed-methods evaluation will assess process and outcomes over nine months using distribution tracking, digital engagement metrics, and pre/post caregiver surveys. Key targets include distribution of 500 fact sheets, ≥70% of surveyed caregivers identifying two early ASD signs and one local resource, a ≥20% increase in caregiver intention to seek screening, and a ≥10% increase in screening inquiries/referrals within 12 months. Partner feedback will be collected to assess acceptability, clarity, and sustainability.
Expected Impact: This initiative aims to reduce misinformation, strengthen caregiver knowledge and self-efficacy, and support earlier screening and connection to services, contributing to more equitable ASD identification and support in a rural Georgia county.
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Health Communication, Advocacy, Rural Health, Program Evaluation
