| The current study investigated caregiver experiences with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
feedback process and factors contributing to caregiver satisfaction. Past literature suggested that
caregivers often feel distressed during ASD feedback and report dissatisfaction with the
information provided during the session. For this reason, the current study aimed to evaluate
whether factors such as family demographics, diagnostic processes, provider characteristics,
and/or level of emotional distress are associated with caregiver satisfaction with ASD feedback.
Caregivers of children previously diagnosed with ASD had the opportunity to participate in the
study through an online survey. The results of multiple regression indicated that two predictor
variables (i.e., waitlist length and an emotional distress count) were negatively associated with
caregiver feedback satisfaction, while two predictors (i.e., provider advocacy and the value of
caregiver input) showed a positive relationship with the outcome variable. Due to significant
gaps in the extant literature examining the process of ASD evaluation, the study further reported
on details such as the session length and elements included in the feedback process, intending to
elucidate common feedback practices across providers in the United States. Considering the
current findings, future research should focus on comparing different perspectives (e.g.,
caregiver, provider, child) and evaluating how caregiver preparedness for the child's ASD
diagnosis relates to feedback satisfaction.
Key Words: ASD, autism, evaluation feedback, caregiver satisfaction |