B-32: Bridging the Gap Between Diagnosis and Intervention: A Pediatric Neurodevelopmental Case Demonstrating the Impact of Structured Follow-Up

Abstract

Objective: Delays in treatment initiation following pediatric neurodevelopmental diagnosis remain a significant clinical challenge. Although early intervention improves outcomes, families often struggle to translate diagnostic findings into action. This case examined whether a structured follow-up session improved caregiver understanding, engagement, and implementation of recommendations following pediatric neuropsychological evaluation. Method/Data Selection: A 10-year-old multiracial female was referred for attentional concerns after behavioral difficulties at school. History included social communication differences, sensory sensitivities, emotional dysregulation, and treatment with sertraline for depression and anxiety. Comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation supported diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, unspecified depressive disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Approximately six weeks after diagnostic feedback, the caregiver completed a structured follow-up session focused on diagnostic clarification, reviewing recommendations, identifying barriers, and prioritizing next steps. Results/Data Synthesis: Following structured follow-up, the caregiver demonstrated greater understanding of the child’s neurodevelopmental profile and increased engagement in recommended behavioral, educational, and medical services, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and school-based supports. Early improvements were observed in emotional regulation, behavioral control, adaptive coping, and service coordination, with reduced fragmentation of care. Conclusions: This case highlights the clinical utility of structured follow-up as a brief, scalable intervention that bridges neurodevelopmental diagnosis and treatment implementation. Structured follow-up enhanced caregiver understanding, supported decision-making, and facilitated timely engagement in interventions targeting executive functioning, social communication, and emotional regulation. As pediatric neurodevelopmental evaluations increasingly incorporate HIPAA-compliant AI tools, this case underscores the enduring value of clinician-guided, relationship-centered follow-up in optimizing treatment engagement and clinical outcomes. These findings highlight the value of integrating structured follow-up into routine pediatric neuropsychological care.