Exploring the Expectations and Experiences of Service Providers in the Services Provision for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Tabriz

Abstract

Introduction: Identification of expectations and views of health care providers is one of the main priorities in the process of reforming the structure and programming, given that autism spectrum disorder is a chronic disability that requires multiple and long-term services, the role of service providers is a very important factor in this pathway. Objective: The purpose of this study was to identify the expectations and experiences of service providers in the field of services provided to children with autism spectrum disorder in Tabriz. Method: This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, which was conducted using 18 semi-structured interviews and 5 focused group discussions in the Comprehensive Autism Center, Autism School, Autism Association, Razi psychiatry Hospital in Tabriz in 2018-2019. Data were analyzed simultaneously by two trained researchers manually using content analysis method. Provide briefing for participants and coding by experts used to ensure trustworthiness. Result: The results of the study indicate that a total of 13 themes and 42 sub themes were identified. In this study, the most important challenges are the provision of services to children with autism spectrum disorder categorized as: diagnostic and treatment process, service providers, structure service provider centers, access and utilization to services, service users expectations, parents' education and participation, the autism social status, the structure and provision of autism services, and the performance of centers and governors. Also, the most important ways to provide services to children with autism spectrum disorder are categorized in terms of process of providing diagnostic and therapeutic services, the human resources and service provider, the structure and organization of the care system and parental involvement and education. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the most important challenges indicated by ASD service providers in the process of diagnosing, service providers, the involvement of the parents of children with ASD and the social status and structure of autism services. In this regard strategies such as; development of educational packages for parents of children with ASD, the establishment of a maintenance center for unmanageable children, the identification of a single governor to organize the roles and responsibilities of organizations, and informing the general public can be used to mitigate challenges.