Phoenixville Resident & Thomas Jefferson University Faculty Member Receives HRSA Grant

PHILADELPHIA, PA (09/03/2013)(readMedia)--  Teal Benevides, MS, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy in Jefferson School of Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University, recently received a one-year grant (R40 MC 26194-01-00) to investigate access to therapy services for children with autism spectrum disorders in two existing population-based datasets. The project is funded by the Maternal and Child Health Research Program, Maternal and Child Health Bureau (Title V, Social Security Act), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Department of Health and Human Services.

The study will explore children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their experience accessing therapy services. Many children with ASD receive services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy, but minimal research has been conducted to identify whether children are able to access these needed services.

"In this study, I aim to identify whether access to therapy services differs between children with ASD and other children with special healthcare needs," said Benevides. "Additionally, I will examine factors that contribute to reduced access to therapy services for children with ASD. I hope that the study will provide insight into mutable factors that can be addressed in future studies to improve access for children with ASD."

From her findings, Benevides will develop recommendations to inform policy, service delivery and training for therapy service providers.

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About Thomas Jefferson University

Jefferson School of Health Professions is part of Thomas Jefferson University (TJU), the largest free standing academic medical center in Philadelphia and nationally renowned for medical and health sciences education and innovative research. Founded in 1824, TJU also includes Jefferson Medical College (JMC), the Jefferson Schools of Nursing, Pharmacy, Population Health and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. In 1936, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital became one of the first institutions to offer an accredited program in radiologic technology. Thomas Jefferson University partners with its clinical affiliate, Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.