Underutilization of Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Among 3-Year-Old Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Behavioral Science
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Funding for early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasing.
• Little is known about the utilization patterns of EIBI, particularly concerning potential inequities.
• Research on disparities in EIBI utilization based on child demographics and environment is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the relationship between the first year of EIBI utilization and child race-ethnicity.
• To investigate the association between the first year of EIBI utilization and neighborhood characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a sample of 108 children eligible for a Medicaid waiver with presumptive eligibility.
• Employed two-level growth curve models to analyze utilization data.
• Assessed utilization as a percentage of weekly hours of EIBI.

Main Results:

• Average EIBI utilization ranged from 24% to 48% of weekly hours during the first year.
• No significant differences in EIBI utilization were observed based on child race-ethnicity.
• Neighborhood characteristics did not show a significant association with EIBI utilization in the first year.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest that initial EIBI utilization is equitable across racial-ethnic groups and neighborhood types.
• Highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring of EIBI utilization to detect future disparities.
• Suggests the need for research into the feasibility of providing EIBI services to the general population.