Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 1in 44 children and is characterized by impairments in cognitive... Show moreAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects 1in 44 children and is characterized by impairments in cognitive, behavioral, and social
domains of functioning. Literature suggests that ASD not only impacts the quality of life
of the individuals diagnosed with this condition, but also has a negative impact on family
quality of life (FQoL). Interventions and services offered through the Medicaid 1915(c)
Home and Community-Based Services waiver programs can enhance child and family
outcomes. The present study looked at one specific waiver program, the Maryland ASD
waiver, and examined the frequency at which families received different waiver services
and the associations between those service frequencies and child (i.e., academic
performance, independent living skills, social communication and interaction skills,
stereotypic and repetitive behavior, and aggressive behavior) and family (i.e., FQoL)
outcomes, as well as explored whether the family’s perception of choice and control
mediate these child and family outcomes. Results suggest that frequencies of some
waiver services are associated with progress in some child outcomes, but not in FQoL.
This study also suggests that the choice and control that families have over services do
not mediate the relation between frequency of waiver services and child and family
outcomes. Overall, results suggest that the Maryland ASD waiver program may help
improve some domains of child functioning. Show less
