Maternal Perceptions of the Scope and Effectiveness of Early Intervention Services for Children with Autism in Paraguay
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Abstract
Introduction: early intervention is critical for the favorable development of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), particularly in resource-limited settings. However, in Paraguay, there is limited evidence on how families perceive Early Intervention Services (EIS).
Objective: to explore mothers’ perceptions of the scope, quality, and effectiveness of EIS for children with ASD in Paraguay.
Methodology: a qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with mothers of children diagnosed with ASD who had accessed EIS in different regions of the country. Data were analyzed using the Framework Analysis method with the support of ATLAS.ti software. Methodological triangulation and cross-validation between researchers were used to enhance the
reliability of the findings.
Results: participants reported improvements in their children’s communication and behavioral skills following early and consistent access to EIS. However, they also identified significant challenges, including limited geographical coverage, service discontinuity, high staff turnover, insufficient professional training, and a lack of meaningful family involvement in the therapeutic process. These
limitations undermine the overall effectiveness and sustainability of the services.
Conclusions: the findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen EIS through public policies that ensure territorial equity, staff stability, ongoing professional development, and systematic family engagement. The study advocates for the co-construction of inclusive, sustainable, and contextsensitive models of care tailored to the Paraguayan sociocultural reality.
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