Parents’ perspective on a public early intensive behavioral intervention program for their child with an autism spectrum disorder
In Québec, public early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) services have been made available to all children aged between 2 and 5 years with an autism spectrum disorder since 2003. This decision was based on expert opinion and empirical evidence indicating that EIBI is the most effective form of intervention for young children with this type of disorder. While the effects of EIBI have been well documented, comparatively little is known about families’ perception of these services. In the present study, 52 families were interviewed about their perspectives on the EIBI services they received. They were asked about their general assessment of the EIBI program, their perception of its effect on their child and family, and their satisfaction level. Data on these three dimensions were collected through open-ended questions, a structured interview schedule, and the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). Parents regarded intervention content, implementation parameters, and staff as strengths of EIBI services. However, they also noted specific aspects of program’s content and implementation that could be improved along with the accessibility of the service, the stability of intervention providers, and parental involvement. All but one parent reported the program’s positive impact on their child, namely in terms of his or her cognitive function, social adjustment, and communication. EIBI services were also seen as positively affecting parental well-being, parenting skills, and the family’s quality of life. Over 95 % of participants said they were satisfied or highly satisfied with the program’s implementation parameters and also reported very high overall levels of satisfaction..