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Examining Services for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parent Satisfaction and Predictors of Service Utilization

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Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest growing group of neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood. Earlier detection means an increased need for early intervention and other educational services. This study examined what services a sample of young children with ASD received, what variables predicted service utilization, and how satisfied parents were with the services. Sixty children (2–7 years) and their families from the Northwestern United States participated in the study. Results suggest that, on average, children received 13 h of educational and therapeutic services per week, with younger children receiving fewer services than older children. Child age, atypical behavior, and family income predicted number of service hours received. Children’s adaptive behavior and autism symptoms did not predict service hours. Although services received were, by most standards, minimal and far below best practice recommendations, parents reported high satisfaction, especially for their toddlers and preschool-aged children. Implications and future directions are described.

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Funding

This research was funded in part by a grant from the Fairway Foundation and the National Institutes of Health (R01 HD059838) awarded to the first author.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Special Education and Clinical Sciences, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403-5208, USA

    Laura Lee McIntyre & Patricia K. Zemantic

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  1. Laura Lee McIntyre
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  2. Patricia K. Zemantic
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Correspondence to Laura Lee McIntyre.

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McIntyre, L.L., Zemantic, P.K. Examining Services for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Parent Satisfaction and Predictors of Service Utilization. Early Childhood Educ J 45, 727–734 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-016-0821-y

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