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Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies in Implementing Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 0-6 Years: A Multicenter Qualitative Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Facilitators, Barriers, and Strategies in Implementing Early Intervention for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Aged 0-6 Years: A Multicenter Qualitative Study Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research
Language: English
Authors: Hongrui Zhu, Ka Yan Ho, Vivien Xi Wu, Jinlin Ye, Lin Xiao, Yunfan Li, Zhuojun Yu, Xingying Wang, Xianhong Li (ORCID 0000-0002-3554-7693)
Source: Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(4):1028-1046.
Availability: SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 19
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Affordances, Barriers, Early Intervention, Young Children, Financial Support, Training, Caregiver Attitudes, Standards, Social Bias, Resources, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: China
DOI: 10.1177/13623613261422944
ISSN: 1362-3613
1461-7005
Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder poses a growing global health challenge due to rising prevalence and significant disability burdens. Early intervention during the 0- to 6-year developmental window is critical to reduce individual, familial, and societal impacts. However, implementation gaps persist in China, particularly in resource-limited settings, where context-specific barriers and facilitators remain understudied. This multicenter qualitative study (July 12 to October 28, 2024.) across 11 cities in Hainan Province involved 47 stakeholders (4 policymakers, 13 managers, 13 practitioners, and 17 family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder aged 0-6 years). Semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were complemented by document review and field observations, with data analyzed via template analysis. Key facilitators included government funding, stratified training, caregivers' positive attitudes, and clear implementation standards. Barriers mainly included low social acceptance, regional resource disparities, workforce shortages, caregiver challenges, and limited evidence-based practice adoption. Four key strategies were identified: strengthening external support, optimizing internal resources, empowering stakeholders, and refining implementation through technology and evidence-based practices. This first China-based study uses a stakeholder-driven approach to co-design contextualized strategies, offering a model for improving autism spectrum disorder care delivery in similar resource settings globally.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1501101
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:Autism spectrum disorder poses a growing global health challenge due to rising prevalence and significant disability burdens. Early intervention during the 0- to 6-year developmental window is critical to reduce individual, familial, and societal impacts. However, implementation gaps persist in China, particularly in resource-limited settings, where context-specific barriers and facilitators remain understudied. This multicenter qualitative study (July 12 to October 28, 2024.) across 11 cities in Hainan Province involved 47 stakeholders (4 policymakers, 13 managers, 13 practitioners, and 17 family caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder aged 0-6 years). Semi-structured interviews guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research were complemented by document review and field observations, with data analyzed via template analysis. Key facilitators included government funding, stratified training, caregivers' positive attitudes, and clear implementation standards. Barriers mainly included low social acceptance, regional resource disparities, workforce shortages, caregiver challenges, and limited evidence-based practice adoption. Four key strategies were identified: strengthening external support, optimizing internal resources, empowering stakeholders, and refining implementation through technology and evidence-based practices. This first China-based study uses a stakeholder-driven approach to co-design contextualized strategies, offering a model for improving autism spectrum disorder care delivery in similar resource settings globally.
ISSN:1362-3613
1461-7005
DOI:10.1177/13623613261422944