Service use by youth with autism within a system-driven implementation of evidence-based practices in children's mental health services

Lay abstract Public mental health systems play an important role in caring for youth with autism spectrum disorder. Little is known about service use by youth with autism spectrum disorder who receive care within community mental health services implementing evidence-based practices. This study compared mental health service patterns of 2537 youth with autism spectrum disorder to 2537 matched youth receiving care in the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health where multiple evidence-based practices were concurrently implemented. Comparative analyses using service utilization data were conducted to examine differences in mental health utilization. Findings revealed significant differences between youth with and without autism spectrum disorder in the amount, length, service type, and evidence-based practice delivered. Results provide direction targeting implementation efforts for youth with autism spectrum disorder within a public mental health system care reform.