Date of Conferral

11-5-2024

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Debora Rice

Abstract

Autism is occurring at an increasing incidence in the United States, and it does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status; therefore, the need for collaborative care across multiple support systems is increasing as well. There are few studies that described collaborative approaches across systems for individuals diagnosed with autism. The purpose of this generic qualitative study was to better understand how social workers and other support professionals use interprofessional collaboration when working with individuals diagnosed with autism. The concepts that grounded this study included Sundet et al.’s collaborative, dialogue-based clinical practice (CDCP) model. Data were collected through individual, semistructured interviews comprised of 12 questions with a purposive sample of 10 participants that included social workers and other support professionals with experience working with individuals diagnosed with autism.Applied thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes in the data set. The participant responses showed a need for more understanding across professions around collaboration as well as that applying the CDCP model throughout professions resulted in different benefits and challenges and an overall sense of being overwhelmed. The findings indicate a need for further professional education around collaboration and its importance as well as the need for additional research involving collaboration and social workers. The findings of this study can be used to promote positive social change by educating professionals on the importance of collaboration in the provision of resources, especially with individuals diagnosed with autism.

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