Publication Date

Spring 2019

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Ronda Talley (Director), Yvette Getch, Frederick Grieve, and Christina Noel

Degree Program

Doctor of Psychology in Applied Psychology

Degree Type

Doctor of Psychology

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes significant impairment in social and communication areas. The severity of the disorder can often result in a substantial degree and amount of service access and expenditures relating to a child’s needs. This study examined the experiences of how family caregivers and service providers of children with ASD view service delivery using a basic qualitative research design. For the study, 10 participants (five family caregivers and five service providers) were enrolled and interviewed. Interview data were collected and coded to produce a qualitative analysis of the experiences of these individuals who either care for, or deliver services to, children with ASD. Results indicate the top five themes for service providers and family caregivers included areas of: a) collaboration, b) education, c) family support, d) child-centered care, and e) accessibility and availability. These findings can inform and improve future service delivery to support family caregivers and their children with ASD.

Disciplines

Community Health | Mental and Social Health | Psychology | Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration | Public Health

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