Examining Sociodemographic Variability in the Amount and Type of Interventions for Children With Autism.

Abstract

Various intervention usage is associated with positive outcomes for children with autism. However, the intensity of these interventions tends to be below recommendations, especially for minoritized children. This study aimed to examine how average weekly intervention hours among children vary by sociodemographic factors. Regression analyses were conducted using data from 2,857 participants with autism included in the Simons Simplex Collection. Findings indicated the amount and type of intervention received varied by race, ethnicity, family income, and maternal education. This study marks an important step in documenting the extent of sociodemographic intervention disparities; and, helps to elucidate which therapy types are most readily underused and by which groups to help inform approaches to increase more equitable access.