A review of declared factors identified by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in making intervention decisions

The range of interventions available for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has increased in recent years. This has led to an interest in the decision-making process related to intervention choices for parents of children with ASD. The present paper reviewed 16 studies examining the factors declared by parents as affecting their decision-making. Frequently nominated factors included recommendations from others, the availability, accessibility, and cost of interventions, the availability and use of other interventions, and research evidence. Few studies presented data regarding the impact of research evidence or the relative importance of factors when making decisions. Further research related to professionals’ recommendations for interventions, the weight parents place on different factors, and the influence of research evidence is recommended.

► We review 16 studies regarding parent decision-making for ASD interventions.
► Recommendations from others were most often identified as influencing decisions.
► Other factors were pragmatic issues, effectiveness, and research evidence.
► Despite diverse methodologies, some factors were common across studies.
► Limited evidence is available on the weighting parents place on various factors.