Service Acquisition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Rural Southwest Virginia: The Role of Caregiver Psychoeducation
Saved in:
| Title: | Service Acquisition for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Rural Southwest Virginia: The Role of Caregiver Psychoeducation |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Daniele C. Martino (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2026 56(1):436-441. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 6 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Sponsoring Agency: | National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) (DHHS/NIH) |
| Contract Number: | UL1TR003015 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Services, Rural Areas, Barriers, Psychoeducational Methods, Program Effectiveness, Parent Education, Caregivers, Allied Health Personnel, Access to Education |
| Geographic Terms: | Virginia |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06305-6 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Purpose: Evidence-based intervention can significantly improve the trajectory of symptoms and overall outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially when implemented at an early age. However, families residing in rural communities experience barriers to accessing ASD-related services. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess how the provision of accessible caregiver psychoeducation related to new service acquisition for children recently diagnosed with ASD in rural Southwest Virginia. Methods: Psychoeducation was delivered either live by a clinician (Live PE, n = 13 caregivers) or via paper materials (Paper PE, n = 10 caregivers) and included content on ASD epidemiology and symptoms, risk factors, evidence-based interventions, and navigating service systems. Survey data were collected from caregivers of 20 children to measure new service acquisition within six months following psychoeducation. Results: Results indicated that 81.8% of children whose caregivers received Live PE obtained at least one new service within six months, compared to 55.6% of those whose caregivers received Paper PE. An independent samples t-test showed a significant difference in the number of new services obtained between groups, such that the Live PE group received over 2.5 times as many services as the Paper PE group. Conclusion: Results suggest that psychoeducation, particularly delivered by a clinician, positively impacted service acquisition, and emphasize the clinical importance of personalized, accessible ASD psychoeducation for rural families. Future implications are discussed, including recommendations to evaluate the role of psychoeducation on service acquisition in larger samples. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1504743 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Purpose: Evidence-based intervention can significantly improve the trajectory of symptoms and overall outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially when implemented at an early age. However, families residing in rural communities experience barriers to accessing ASD-related services. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess how the provision of accessible caregiver psychoeducation related to new service acquisition for children recently diagnosed with ASD in rural Southwest Virginia. Methods: Psychoeducation was delivered either live by a clinician (Live PE, n = 13 caregivers) or via paper materials (Paper PE, n = 10 caregivers) and included content on ASD epidemiology and symptoms, risk factors, evidence-based interventions, and navigating service systems. Survey data were collected from caregivers of 20 children to measure new service acquisition within six months following psychoeducation. Results: Results indicated that 81.8% of children whose caregivers received Live PE obtained at least one new service within six months, compared to 55.6% of those whose caregivers received Paper PE. An independent samples t-test showed a significant difference in the number of new services obtained between groups, such that the Live PE group received over 2.5 times as many services as the Paper PE group. Conclusion: Results suggest that psychoeducation, particularly delivered by a clinician, positively impacted service acquisition, and emphasize the clinical importance of personalized, accessible ASD psychoeducation for rural families. Future implications are discussed, including recommendations to evaluate the role of psychoeducation on service acquisition in larger samples. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06305-6 |
