The missing link in autism spectrum disorder: a specific cause and the practitioner

Workforce perspective on racial and ethnic equity in early childhood autism evaluation and treatment: "The cornerstone of everything we do"

LAY ABSTRACT

Black and non-White Latinx children tend to receive autism diagnoses later in life and with a higher degree of impairment than White children. The purpose of this study was to learn what is currently helping as well as preventing Black and non-White Latinx children from getting access to autism evaluation and services. We held virtual interviews with 26 experts who work with autistic children and their families, including clinical providers, researchers, advocates, and policymakers/government representatives. From these interviews, we identified four themes that have an impact on equity in autism services: (1) who makes up the workforce, (2) workforce capacity and accessibility, (3) workforce payment structure, and (4) changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings show the need for improved workforce diversity, autism-specific education, payment structures, and additional support for workforce members to avoid burnout. To make childhood autism services more equitable, diversity in recruitment across training levels, cultural awareness, increased autism education for all pediatric providers, and partnerships with caregivers as experts must be prioritized. These investments in the autism workforce will allow professionals in the field to better meet the needs of children and families from Black and non-White Latinx communities and achieve equity in early childhood autism services.

Fewer Than Half Of US Mental Health Treatment Facilities Provide Services For Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Despite estimates of rising prevalence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the US, there is little research on the availability of behavioral health care services for this vulnerable population. To fill the gap, we surveyed 8,184 mental health treatment facilities in the contiguous US. As of August 2019, 43.0 percent of facilities reported providing behavioral health care for children with ASD, and 36.6 percent were accepting such children as new patients. Only 12.7 percent reported having a clinician with specialized training, and 4.3 percent reported having a specialized treatment program. Multivariable regression results indicated that there was poorer access to specialized ASD care in rural and lower-income communities. New policies are needed to increase the availability of behavioral health care for children with ASD.