Factors That May Influence Parent Treatment Decision Making for Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

ABSTRACT

The number of interventions available for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has expanded greatly in recent years, although relatively little is known about the factors that influence family caregivers as they make treatment decisions for their children. This study involved a statewide survey of parents of young children with ASD to examine the relative weights of the factors that influenced their treatment decisions. Results suggested that caregivers rely on their own intuition for much decision making, although selected professionals are also influential. Implications for professionals working with children with ASD and their families are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Autism spectrum disorder
• decision making
• evidence-based practice
• family caregiving
• professional relationships
• survey research
• treatment decision making

Acknowledgments

This research was supported in part by Grant 90DD000801 from the U.S. Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. The funder had no involvement in the study design; the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data; the writing of the paper; or the decision to submit the article for publication.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: [Grant number 90DD000801].