GapMap -- Bridging the Gap in Resource Access for the Autism Community

Stanford researchers have developed a software tool called GapMap that contains one of the most robust resource databases for families with autism, compiled via exhaustive machine-learning methods, and highlights gaps in clinical services. Using crowd-sourced input from the autism community, GapMap prospectively captures valuable demographic and behavioral data from users while also displaying local and validated resources and therapies. Its real-time, prevalence map for autism advocates the expansion of medical services and catalyzes telemedicine development and other remote technology to bring care to patients.

Stage of Research
The researchers' pilot study mapped resources and prevalence using census and autism treatment facilities information. The latest version, GapMap, is an interactive site (accessible to any internet connected device) that uses feedback from caregivers of children with autism to capture demographic, behavioral, and resource usage; and calculates detailed geographical prevalence to augment a complete, real-time understanding of autism resource epidemiology. It can drive critical research to deliver better care for autism and deliver actionable information to affected families throughout the life course of the condition.

Future plans include growing listings for diagnostic services, behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and concierge medicine with 'crowd' reported ratings, wait times per service type, and ways to cross-validate crowd reported lengths of waiting lists with the wait time provided directly by the front office of the service site itself.

GapMap - a tool for families to drive discovery in autism research while finding local resources and therapies. Click on the figure above to enlarge and view.