Barriers and facilitators for obtaining support services among underserved families with an autistic child: A systematic qualitative review.

This review looked at what makes it hard or easy for families with fewer resources (including families from different ethnic backgrounds or with less money) to get help for their autistic child. Researchers found 18 studies and discovered that three main things affect families' experiences: how easy services are to access, what types of support are available, and stigma or negative attitudes about autism.

This systematic qualitative review examined barriers and facilitators for accessing autism support services among underserved families, including those from underrepresented ethnic/racial groups and with limited financial resources. The review analyzed 18 studies and identified key themes through qualitative coding. Parents reported that three main factors influenced their experiences with support services: accessibility issues, diversity of available support services, and stigma-related concerns. The findings highlight systemic challenges faced by vulnerable families in navigating autism service systems and suggest areas for improvement in service delivery approaches to better serve underrepresented populations.

Service providers should address accessibility barriers, expand diverse service options, and implement stigma-reduction strategies. Healthcare systems need culturally responsive approaches to better serve underrepresented families. Policy changes may be needed to ensure equitable access to autism support services across different socioeconomic and ethnic groups.

The abstract does not specify methodological details, quality assessment criteria, or characteristics of the 18 included studies. Sample sizes and geographic representation are not reported, limiting assessment of generalizability and study rigor.

Families from underrepresented ethnic or racial groups and those with limited financial resources could experience more difficulty in accessing support services for their autistic child due to certain types of barriers. We searched academic journals, websites, and other sources for studies which looked at what barriers might be present for such families and what might help families access support services for their autistic child. The search found 18 studies. Results from each study were examined and coded into themes.

Parents reported that accessibility, diversity of support services, and stigma influenced their experiences with support services. We discuss what these findings might mean for future research and for service delivery.