Effects of Childhood Autism on Families: A Rural/Urban Comparison

Abstract

The West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychology reports that there are currently 11 counties in West Virginia that do not offer any professional psychological services. For families of children with autism spectrum disorders, this poses a significant issue. This research sought to retrieve qualitative data from four families of children with autism; two families residing in urban West Virginia and two residing in rural West Virginia. Factors such as the availability of resources (geographical proximity, financial stability, and family culture) and their impact on families’ overall subjective well-being were explored. In order to investigate this issue, the examiner sought answers to questions such as, “Has your child ever received psychological intervention in the form of assessment or behavior therapy from a psychological professional?”, “How far do you travel to seek professional and/or medical help for your child?”, “What resources/accommodations does your child receive at school?”, “What resources do you think might improve your child’s, as well as your family’s, overall well-being?”, and “What do you perceive as your biggest barrier in receiving specialized treatment for your child?” The examiner was in contact with professionals in the Huntington, WV area (including the West Virginia Children’s Health Project and Marshall University School of Medicine) that connected her to eligible families. Inclusive criteria included families with a child with a current diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (excluding Asperger’s Syndrome) and geographic specifications that qualify families as either rural or urban residents