Research Symposium

BIO

Brayden Duran is an Honors student at Florida State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (clinical professions) on the Pre-Med track. Currently a freshman, Brayden is a member of the Honors Medical Scholars Society, where he is actively involved in developing his clinical and research skills. He is conducting research on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Visual Impairment (VI) in children, with the goal of improving early diagnosis and intervention for children with both conditions.

Brayden is passionate about scientific inquiry and strives to deepen his research and clinical expertise as he prepares for medical school. His experiences as a tutor and EMT have enhanced his communication skills and reinforced his commitment to patient care. Brayden is dedicated to contributing to healthcare improvements and supporting others in both academic and healthcare settings.

Brayden's research is guided by Saurym Quezada, whose mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his research journey. With aspirations to pursue a career in medicine, Brayden looks forward to continuing his work and making meaningful contributions to the medical field.

Exploring the Diagnosis Process and Educational Services for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Visual Impairment

Abstract

This national study investigates the processes behind a co-
occurring Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and visual impairment
(VI) diagnosis in school-age children through parental-reported
experiences. Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for
improving developmental outcomes and ensuring access to
appropriate resources and support services (Okoye et al., 2023). To
examine this relationship, we worked on a Qualtrics survey aimed at
collecting both numerical and descriptive data on the assessment,
diagnosis, and service provision of ASD and VI across the 50 states
and Puerto Rico. A distribution list was compiled, including medical
and educational professionals, hospitals, clinics, schools for the blind,
and state deaf-blind projects to help reach eligible families. The
survey included an invitation for respondents to volunteer to
participate in follow-up interviews. Data collection is ongoing. The
findings aim to show typical diagnostic steps, reveal possible
obstacles, and highlight patterns in accessing services. The results
aim to inform healthcare providers, educators, and families about
opportunities to improve early identification and collaboration.​

Keywords: autism visual impairment