Caregivers’ Perspectives on the Availability and Accessibility of Applied Behavior Analysis in Georgia
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly prevalent in the United States, with 1 in 36 children meeting the diagnostic criteria. Children with ASD benefit from Early Intervention (EI) therapies like Applied behavior analysis (ABA), yet families in rural areas experience multiple barriers and delays in receiving treatment. This is partly due to the dearth of EI providers in these areas and the lack of a centralized database of providers for parents. Prior research assessed the accessibility of Applied Behavior Analysis in Georgia through creation of the ABA Accessibility Index. We aim to validate this index through conversations with caregivers of autistic children across the state.
Methods: Prior research geocoded a list of 466 ABA providers and created a weighted index to reflect the ease of ABA access for locations across Georgia. To validate the index quantitatively, correlations and regression models will be run to assess associations with key health outcomes (area-level metrics such as self-rated health). Qualitatively, we will conduct three focus groups, each consisting of approximately eight parents/caregivers of autistic children across Georgia, to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences accessing ABA services, the goal being to assess how well the index reflects real-life experiences of patients and their families. Data will be analyzed via thematic analysis.
Anticipated Results: The quantitative aim is in progress and will be complete by January 2024. We will also conduct focus groups across Georgia, with qualitative analysis complete by April 2024.
Conclusion: Results will validate the newly-created ABA Accessibility Index, highlighting the areas in Georgia in need of additional ABA services to meet the need experienced by autistic children. Caregivers’ perspectives on the accessibility of services are key to gain a more in-depth perspective of real-life experiences. Understanding which communities are in need of services will help inform resource allocation.
Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, rural health disparities, qualitative methods, evidence-based practices, developmental disorders, Applied Behavior Analysis
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Caregivers’ Perspectives on the Availability and Accessibility of Applied Behavior Analysis in Georgia
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly prevalent in the United States, with 1 in 36 children meeting the diagnostic criteria. Children with ASD benefit from Early Intervention (EI) therapies like Applied behavior analysis (ABA), yet families in rural areas experience multiple barriers and delays in receiving treatment. This is partly due to the dearth of EI providers in these areas and the lack of a centralized database of providers for parents. Prior research assessed the accessibility of Applied Behavior Analysis in Georgia through creation of the ABA Accessibility Index. We aim to validate this index through conversations with caregivers of autistic children across the state.
Methods: Prior research geocoded a list of 466 ABA providers and created a weighted index to reflect the ease of ABA access for locations across Georgia. To validate the index quantitatively, correlations and regression models will be run to assess associations with key health outcomes (area-level metrics such as self-rated health). Qualitatively, we will conduct three focus groups, each consisting of approximately eight parents/caregivers of autistic children across Georgia, to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences accessing ABA services, the goal being to assess how well the index reflects real-life experiences of patients and their families. Data will be analyzed via thematic analysis.
Anticipated Results: The quantitative aim is in progress and will be complete by January 2024. We will also conduct focus groups across Georgia, with qualitative analysis complete by April 2024.
Conclusion: Results will validate the newly-created ABA Accessibility Index, highlighting the areas in Georgia in need of additional ABA services to meet the need experienced by autistic children. Caregivers’ perspectives on the accessibility of services are key to gain a more in-depth perspective of real-life experiences. Understanding which communities are in need of services will help inform resource allocation.
