Family perceptions of the impacts of a home and community based services autism waiver: Making family life possible

Abstract

Background: An important mechanism that provides support and services for families with a child/youth with autism spectrum disorder is the home- and community-based services (HCBS) Waiver authorized by Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act or Medicaid. Methods: This study used qualitative research methods to explore parent perspectives about the impact of HCBS Waiver services on the child/youth with autism and their family. In-depth interviews focused on aspects of the programme they valued, identification of barriers and general issues they experienced. Results: Results of the qualitative study indicated that improved outcomes could be explained by providers of services who were well-trained, flexible and allowed parents’ opportunities for choice regarding provision of services to meet child/youth and family needs. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide guideposts for further research about factors that contribute to satisfaction of families receiving waiver services for quality of life and child progress.