Experiences of Family-Centered Care among Parents of Toddlers with ASD Concerns

Abstract

Family-centered care is an approach to healthcare that considers the needs and priorities of the whole family. Accessing family-centered care may be of particular importance when concerns for ASD are present, given the central role that healthcare providers play in the diagnostic process, as well as parents’ high levels of stress during this period. This study compares experiences of family-centered care across two groups of parents: those with concerns about autism for their toddlers (ASD) and those concerned about other developmental issues (DEV). We also compare experiences with family-centered care across two systems of care frequently accessed by both groups: primary care and Part C Early Intervention. Across domains of family-centered care, there were no differences between concerns groups. Parents experienced a higher degree of family-centered care with Early Intervention providers compared with primary care providers in three of five domains of family-centered care that measured 1) provision of general information, 2) coordinated and comprehensive care, and 3) respectful and supportive care.