| Popis: |
There is little research on the services adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) use, satisfaction with these services, and barriers to receiving services. Population density may affect service use outcomes. This study aimed to examine service use outcomes and the effect of population density using a Geographical Information Systems (GIS) approach, in adults with ASD diagnosed by the TEACCH Autism program as children. Caregiver surveys from 91 participants were collected and questions about the types of services, barriers to services, and satisfaction with services were analyzed for relations with population density. Results showed that individuals with higher childhood IQ scores were less likely to utilize services, and that living in rural communities decreased service use for all adults studied. Rehabilitation counselors can serve as a resource for increasing knowledge about available services in the communities they serve and advocate for services and community support in more rural areas. |
