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Barriers to Receiving Applied Behavior Analysis Services in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Emily R Littman1, Leslie Gavin2, Andrew Broda3
1Medicine, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, USA.
Barriers to applied behavior analysis (ABA) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are complex. Factors like location, income, and caregiver empowerment influence ABA access, suggesting parent education can improve treatment utilization.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a primary intervention for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Understanding barriers to ABA treatment is crucial for improving access and outcomes for children with ASD.
- Parental factors significantly influence the engagement and effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate the barriers encountered by caregivers in accessing ABA services for children diagnosed with ASD.
- To explore the relationship between demographic, socioeconomic, and psychological factors and ABA treatment utilization.
Main Methods:
- A voluntary survey with 51 questions was administered to caregivers of children aged 1-8 years with ASD.
- The survey assessed demographics, socioeconomic status, parental self-advocacy, and perceptions of ABA treatment.
- Data were analyzed comparing caregivers receiving ABA (r-ABA) versus those not receiving ABA (n-ABA).
Main Results:
- A total of 540 surveys were completed, with respondents from Florida, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey.
- Caregivers receiving ABA reported higher belief in treatment, empowerment, and comfort levels compared to non-recipients.
- Geographic location, caregiver income, education, time since diagnosis, and caregiver empowerment were associated with ABA access.
Conclusions:
- Barriers to ABA services for children with ASD are multifactorial, encompassing logistical, socioeconomic, and psychological elements.
- Caregiver empowerment, belief in ABA, and comfort in accessing services are key factors influencing treatment receipt.
- Enhancing parental understanding of their role in treatment may increase the utilization of ABA services for ASD.
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