Disparities in Utilization of Therapy and Educational Services for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Objective: Our goal was to determine if there are any socioeconomic disparities in utilization of Early Intervention, occupational, speech or behavioral therapy, Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods: We used the 2011-2012 National Survey of Children’s Health to identify 1,624 children with parent-reported ASD. We used univariate and multivariate regression analyses to determine the influence of race, income and parent education level on the use of Early Intervention, therapy services and IFSPs/IEPs for early childhood (age 0-5) and late childhood (age 6-17). Results: Low income households and households where parents had less than a high school education were much less likely to report having received therapy services or an IFSP/IEP during early childhood. However, the disparity in IEP use was no longer present during late childhood. Conclusion: There are disparities in use of educational and therapy services in children with ASD based on parent income and education level. The disparity in educational services is present in early childhood, but resolves by late childhood. Therefore, future efforts to address underuse of educational resources for children with ASD may be more effective if they are targeted toward younger children and towards households with lower income and lower parental education levels.