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

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. MethodsResultsThis 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 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. ConclusionThe 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.