ABSTRACT
THE IMPORTANCE OF INFORMED CHOICE The premise of this chapter is that consumer-informed choice is a critical aspect of service delivery for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Typically, children cannot make informed choices and must rely on the good judgment of parents, caregivers, and professionals. In most service delivery systems, especially early intervention, great weight is placed on parental preference. This does not mean each family receives exactly the type, proportion, and intensity of service desired, but it does mean that parental preference is a significant factor that is usually considered and discussed.
