Services for children with autism spectrum disorders: What needs to change?

Recommendations for improving school and community-based services for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in the state of Virginia were investigated. Participants consisted of 783 parents of children birth to age 22 with a medical diagnosis ofASD. Data obtained through an open-ended survey question were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Parents recommended improving the quality, quantity, accessibility, and availability of services; educating and training individuals to work effectively with children with ASD; increasing funding for services; and creating appropriate school placements and educational programs. The findings from this study suggest the need for increased individualization of and accessibility to services. Future state-level research must examine the variables that affect parent recommendations and evaluate the quality of existing services for children with ASD.