خلاصة:
Background: One of the most essential needs of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is to use of rehabilitation services. However, these services have many challenges. The aim of this study was to identify the perceptions of the parents of children with ASD and rehabilitation service providers about the challenges of using rehabilitation services in an Iranian context.
Method: This study was performed with a qualitative approach. 27 participants were selected from the parents of children with ASD and rehabilitation service providers to these children, based on purposeful sampling with maximum variation and sampling continued until data saturation. Data were gathered by semi-structured and in-depth, interviews. The interviews lasted from July to December 2020 and MAXQDA 10 software was used for data analysis.
Result: The challenges of ASD in accessing and using rehabilitation services were identified and categorized into 6 main categories, which are: 1) Lack of a systematic support system, 2) Lack of commitment to observance of professional ethics, 3) Neglecting the structure and policy of rehabilitation, 4) Lack of comprehensive ASD diagnostic and rehabilitation protocols, 5) Poverty of knowledge and attitude and 6) Lack of easy access to services.
Conclusion: It is necessary that policy makers, service providers and managers be aware of the challenges of rehabilitation services for ASD and pay special attention to this issue. It is expected that this study will provide evidence for them in accessing and using rehabilitation services for ASD, to improve the services they receive and their living conditions, and ultimately helps improve their quality of life.