Access to care for autism-related services

Area of Science:

• Pediatric healthcare access
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) services research
• Family-centered care

Background:

• Access to autism-related services is crucial for children with ASD.
• Understanding factors influencing service utilization is key to equitable care.
• Previous research indicates potential disparities in healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify family characteristics associated with the use of autism-related services.
• To examine how child diagnosis, age, and family demographics influence service mix.
• To pinpoint barriers to accessing care for children with ASD.

Main Methods:

• Survey data collected from 383 North Carolina families with children (≤11 years) diagnosed with ASD between 2003-2005.
• Telephone or in-person interviews to gather information on family characteristics and service utilization.
• Statistical analysis to identify associations between family factors and service use patterns.

Main Results:

• Racial and ethnic minority families, those with lower parental education, and families in nonmetropolitan areas reported limited access to care.
• Families not following a major treatment approach also faced access challenges.
• Higher parental stress was associated with increased likelihood of service use.
• The range of services utilized varied based on the child's ASD diagnosis and age.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities in autism service use exist based on race, residence, and parental education.
• Interventions are needed to address systemic barriers hindering access for underserved families.
• Policy and practice changes are recommended to promote equitable service delivery for all children with ASD.