# Social Networks of Diffusion and Adoption: Investigating the Network Effects on implementation of evidence-based interventions for early intervention providers of children

> **NIH NIH R21** · DREXEL UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $242,870

## Abstract

Early interventions for preschoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can result in substantial
improvements across cognitive and communication outcomes.1 However, treatment response in this
population is variable, ranging from optimal outcomes to minimal gains. 2,3 One factor that might contribute to
variability in intervention outcomes is poor community implementation of evidence-based practices.45 (Dufek et
al 2019). Research has identified collaboration dynamics among treatment team members as a malleable
factor that contributes to intervention response and can be successfully modified to improving intervention
outcomes in community settings. In order to investigate whether collaboration dynamics play a role in
intervention outcomes for minimally verbal preschoolers that use AAC, we will use social network analysis to
test the hypothesis that high collaboration among family and professionals working with minimally verbal
children with ASD will enable high levels of diffusion and adoption of AAC, which will in turn yield better
intervention outcomes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10124712
- **Project number:** 1R21MH121731-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** DREXEL UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Elizabeth Hassrick
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $242,870
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-01-08 → 2022-10-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10124712

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10124712, Social Networks of Diffusion and Adoption: Investigating the Network Effects on implementation of evidence-based interventions for early intervention providers of children (1R21MH121731-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10124712. Licensed CC0.

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