Scrambling for Care: Autism in Rural America

Abstract

The path to autism diagnosis and intervention has always been arduous, but families in small towns with limited access to healthcare services are at a much greater disadvantage. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the surge in virtual services for autism has offered clinicians and researchers a unique opportunity to bring care to the home of geographically underserved communities. Through interviews with autism researchers, health experts, and family members of autistic individuals, this two-part project takes a look at the barriers to autism care in rural America, and the potential and limitations of telehealth to expand access to services.