Access to Autism Spectrum Disorder Services for Rural Appalachian Citizens

Authors

Angela Scarpa, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Laura S. Jensen, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Denis Gracanin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Sharon L. Ramey, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Angela V. Dahiya, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
L. Maria Ingram, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Jordan Albright, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Alyssa J. Gatto, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Jen P. Scott, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State UniversityFollow
Lisa Ruble, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Background: Low-resource rural communities face significant challenges regarding availability and adequacy of evidence-based services.

Purposes: With respect to accessing evidence-based services for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), this brief report summarizes needs of rural citizens in the South-Central Appalachian region, an area notable for persistent health disparities.

Methods: A mixed-methods approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data during focus groups with 33 service providers and 15 caregivers of children with ASD in rural southwest Virginia.

Results: Results supported the barriers of availability and affordability of ASD services in this region, especially relating to the need for more ASD-trained providers, better coordination and navigation of services, and addition of programs to assist with family financial and emotional stressors. Results also suggested cultural attitudes related to autonomy and trust towards outside professionals that may prevent families from engaging in treatment.

Implications: Relevant policy recommendations are discussed related to provider incentives, insurance coverage, and telehealth. Integration of autism services into already existing systems and multicultural sensitivity of providers are also implicated.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0201.04

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Scarpa A, Jensen LS, Gracanin D, et al. Access to autism spectrum disorder services for rural Appalachian citizens. J Appalach Health 2020;2(1):25–40. DOI: https://doi.org/10.13023/jah.0201.04.