Abstract
This mixed methods study examined therapist perspectives on serving children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in community
mental health (CMH) clinics. One hundred therapists completed a survey about their experiences with this population and 17
participated in subsequent focus groups to clarify and expand survey results. Results indicate that CMH therapists serve many
children with ASD for behavior or other psychiatric problems and perceive serving this population as challenging and frustrating
due to their limited training. Therapists are highly motivated for comprehensive ASD training on ASD characteristics and intervention
strategies. These data were used to tailor and package evidence-based intervention strategies for delivery in CMH services.
mental health (CMH) clinics. One hundred therapists completed a survey about their experiences with this population and 17
participated in subsequent focus groups to clarify and expand survey results. Results indicate that CMH therapists serve many
children with ASD for behavior or other psychiatric problems and perceive serving this population as challenging and frustrating
due to their limited training. Therapists are highly motivated for comprehensive ASD training on ASD characteristics and intervention
strategies. These data were used to tailor and package evidence-based intervention strategies for delivery in CMH services.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-011-0355-y
- Authors
- Lauren Brookman-Frazee, Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way (MC 5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Amy Drahota, Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way (MC 5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Nicole Stadnick, Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way (MC 5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Lawrence A. Palinkas, Child and Adolescent Services Research Center, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, 3020 Children’s Way (MC 5033), San Diego, CA 92123, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X