Families who have the most stress are most likely to use autism services.

This study was designed to see what types of families are most likely to use autism services (therapy, medical care, support groups, etc.). The study was based in North Carolina in a service system that is thought of as quite good for children with autism. The study looked at only families who were getting services and who agreed to complete the survey that was the basis of the study. The study found that the most autism services are used when the child is between the ages of 5 and 8 years old. The families who received the fewest services were racial and ethnic minorities, those living in rural areas, and those with limited schooling.