Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: The goal of this Social Change Portfolio is to prevent adverse outcomes for children at risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in rural communities who are unable to obtain a diagnosis or have limited access to services through parent coaching programs that connect caregivers with skills training, psychoeducation, and resources. Significant Findings: ASD impacts 4% of children nationwide (Data Resource Center for Child & Adolescent Health, n.d.). In rural areas, these children often face long waitlists to receive a diagnosis and limited access to services, making it difficult for them to receive the recommended amount of interventions (Boydston et al., 2023). Therefore, caregivers should provide additional interventions for these children to help them develop the skills they need to overcome developmental delays (Gulsrud et al., 2024). In addition to learning skills to intervene with their child, an effective prevention program must also help families understand the prevalence of ASD, the importance of early intervention, and the key role of caregivers in advocating for and supporting their child. Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: This project recommends a prevention plan to be implemented in the rural coastal community of Coos Bay, Oregon that includes 1) offering the JASPER parent training program to teach caregivers skills for early intervention through the local school district; 2) psychoeducation for caregivers about the scope of ASD and the importance of diagnosis and intervention; 3) training for local organizations to develop staff competence and develop an inclusive environment; 4) advocating for families to receive the supports they need under the IDEA; and 5) spreading awareness within the community to reduce false beliefs about ASD and increase support for this population.
