Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2018

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

EdD

College

College of Education and Human Services

Department

Learning Sciences and Human Development

Committee Chair

Reagan Curtis

Committee Co-Chair

M. Cecil Smith

Committee Member

M. Cecil Smith

Committee Member

Karen Rambo-Hernandez

Committee Member

Mary Beth Mandich

Abstract

This project was completed to understand what treatments caregivers are selecting for their child with autism and why treatments were selected and discontinued. Caregivers of children with autism participated in a mixed methods study. An online survey was completed (N=127) to identify treatments used for their child. Interviews were completed (n=14) to understand why treatments were selected and discontinued. Selection of medical, dietary, therapeutic, complimentary/ alternative medicine, community-based, behavioral, and educational treatments were mostly influenced by recommendations of others. Caregivers reported discontinuing because relationships and professionalism were lacking between provider and family. Providers must consider all the variables that influence caregivers’ intervention selection to ensure caregiver follow through to encourage change.

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