Barriers and Facilitators for Obtaining Support Services among Underserved Families with an Autistic Child: A Systematic Qualitative Review

SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: https://sagepub.com

Y

14

Autism Spectrum Disorders; Children; Services; Barriers; Affordances; Access to Health Care; Access to Education; Parent Attitudes; Foreign Countries; Knowledge Level; Geographic Location; Delivery Systems; Social Bias; Social Support Groups; Family Income

United States; Canada; South Africa; New Zealand; United Kingdom (England); West Bank; Mongolia; Sweden

10.1177/13623613221123712

1362-3613
1461-7005

Families of autistic children from underserved populations participate in support services at lower rates than other families. To better understand possible reasons for this inequity, we reviewed qualitative studies examining parent-reported barriers and facilitators to accessing and participating in support services. A systematic search identified 18 articles that met inclusion criteria. Resulting thematic analysis located three themes: (a) support service accessibility, (b) diversity of support services, and (c) community. Parents reported that financial pressures, geographic location, and service flexibility influenced their ability to obtain support services. Implications for service delivery and areas for future research are discussed.

As Provided

2023

EJ1373063