Service utilization in a sample of preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: A Canadian snapshot

Abstract

Although most preschool children with ASD residing in urban centres were able to access specialized services shortly after diagnosis, marked variation in services across provinces remains a concern.

Progress and gaps in Quebec’s autism policy: a comprehensive review and thematic analysis

“…Available data suggest that nearly 40% of families affected by autism do not have access to any services around the time of diagnosis (Volden et al 2015). The lack of enactment mechanisms may explain why the same barriers to access to services have been reaffirmed over the past 6 years, including long wait times for diagnostic and intervention services, poor care coordination across different levels of service, and inadequate support for caregivers.…”

Parent-Reported Use of Interventions by Toddlers and Preschoolers With Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…Although they showed that use of services differed by socioeconomic characteristics, the children in the sample already had a diagnosis of ASD and their enrollment in an ongoing study meant that they differed considerably from children in the general population, who face substantial barriers to receiving care. A study in Canada found that behavioral interventions were reported for 28% of children at a baseline visit and that the proportion increased to 59% in the following 12 months (18). A large survey of children with special health care needs found that 38% to 44% of children identified as having ASD received community-based behavioral interventions (19).…”

Responding to the challenge of autism spectrum disorder in low-resource settings

“…[ 1 ] Although some ASDs patients might be able to live independently, a large proportion of them has to face social deficits with impairment of skills/emotion, or severe disabilities necessitating lifelong care, and support services. [ 3 6 ] ASDs not only significantly restrict the ability of a person to perform routine activities and contribute to the society, but even remarkably reduce the educational and employment options for the affected person. [ 5 6 ]…”

“…[ 3 6 ] ASDs not only significantly restrict the ability of a person to perform routine activities and contribute to the society, but even remarkably reduce the educational and employment options for the affected person. [ 5 6 ]…”

“…[ 1 5 ] In addition, measures such as counseling family members about the different aspects of the disease, its prognosis, and types of services available; offering behavior therapy to negate the concerns of difficulty in communication and impairment of the social behavior; ensuring accessibility and availability of comprehensive package of services, including health promotion, rehabilitation and care services; formulating policies to enable coordination between different sectors to safeguard education or employment options of the affected persons; and supporting the above measures with broader measures to make the country's infrastructure more accessible, inclusive, and supportive. [ 1 4 5 6 7 ]…”