The Experiences of Direct Support Professionals Working With Autistic Adults: An Exploratory Study

This publication is included in the Autistic Autism Scholarship Project. one author of this publication is identified as autistic in the project.

About the autistic author marker

Metadata sources used for this reference

OpenAlex Crossref OpenCitations
Learn more about the sources used

Colón, S. M. (2025). The Experiences of Direct Support Professionals Working With Autistic Adults: An Exploratory Study. Neurodiversity, 3, Article 27546330251338916. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330251338916

Publication date: 27 Apr 2025 Added to AutiHub: 21 Oct 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
Publisher source (DOI) OpenAlex source

This publication is integrated into AutiHub through:

Authors

Publication authors
1
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 1 (100.0%)
  1. Stephanie M Colón *

Abstract

Background: Direct support professionals (DSPs) play a critical role in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autistic adults. Despite playing such an integral role, DSPs are often faced with challenges in the workforce that can result in high staff turnover rates and disruptions in quality care through service provision. This study aims to explore the complex and multifaceted role of the DSP. The objective is to explore the perceived quality of support DSPs receive in the field while working with autistic adults and how they navigate challenges. Methods: This study uses a qualitative approach featuring semi-structured interviews of 5 DSPs who were recruited through snowball sampling. Interviews were transcribed by a HIPAA compliant transcription service. One independent coder implemented the constant comparative method associated with a grounded theory approach. Codes and themes were then developed accordingly. Peer debrief was implemented for added rigor. Results: The study identified three predominant themes: Challenges, A Lack of Comprehensive Training and Supports, and The Importance of Fostering Relationships. These themes highlight key components within the scope of the DSP role to include the need for comprehensive training programs, equity in collaboration among stakeholders, and ongoing job supports and professional development. Conclusion: The support provided to autistic adults greatly depends on the competence of DSPs, shaped by their training. Enhancing education and awareness of autism are vitals for improving service outcomes and fostering inclusion, with future research needed on DSP roles and person-centered service approaches.

Bibliography cited by this reference

Cited references are imported from external metadata sources when they are available. The list may be partial.

Cited bibliography overview

These indicators describe the bibliography cited by this publication. An author name is counted each time it appears in one cited reference, so the same person can be counted more than once. Names not yet linked to an author already present in AutiHub are treated as unknown, not as non-autistic. Last computed: 23 Oct 2026 01:01.

Cited references
40
With a DOI
26
Without a DOI, from raw bibliography text
13
1 / 40 (2.5%) cited references include at least one author identified as autistic.
References with data to complete
12 / 40 (30.0%)
References with detected author names
28 / 40 (70.0%)
Without detected author names
12
Without a structured title
12
Without a stable identifier
12
References with raw author names still to review
12
References with external metadata lookup issues
0
These indicators apply to cited references displayed on this page, after technical duplicates have been merged. A reference without a DOI can still support author statistics when a title and author names are available.
Author names detected in the cited bibliography
90
From DOI or external metadata
90
From validated raw bibliography text
0
Raw names already validated
0
Raw names still to review
12
10 / 90 (11.1%) names are linked to an author already present in AutiHub. 80 / 90 (88.9%) names are not yet linked.
Names linked to a person identified as autistic
1 / 90 (1.1%)
Calculated across all author names detected in the cited bibliography. Among names linked to an author already present in AutiHub: 1 / 10 (10.0%). Distinct people identified as autistic: 1 / 83 (1.2%).
  1. Cathy Urquhart (2013). Grounded Theory for Qualitative Research: A Practical Guide . SAGE Publications, Ltd.
    Type: Book DOI: 10.4135/9781526402196 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W606806371
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  2. Hussain A. Almalky (2020). Employment outcomes for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: A literature review . Children and Youth Services Review, 109, 104656. Elsevier BV.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104656 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2990361570
    Crossref OpenAlex
  3. Amy Castagnino , Meghan Blaskowitz (2022). EMPOWER: An Online Staff Training Focused on Person-Centered Supports for Direct Support Professionals . The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy, 10(1), 1-16. Western Michigan University - DIGITAL COMMONS.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1824 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4205955080
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  4. H. Russell Bernard , Gery W. Ryan (2010). Analyzing qualitative data: Systematic approaches . Analyzing qualitative data: Systematic approaches.
    Type: Article OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W622505694
    Crossref OpenAlex
  5. Stephanie H. Ameis , Meng-Chuan Lai , Benoit H. Mulsant , Peter Szatmari (2020). Coping, fostering resilience, and driving care innovation for autistic people and their families during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond . Molecular Autism, 11(1), 1. Springer Science and Business Media LLC.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00365-y OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3044399838
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  6. Barney G. Glaser (1965). The Constant Comparative Method of Qualitative Analysis . Social Problems, 12(4), 436-445. Oxford University Press (OUP).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.2307/798843 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1971796909
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  7. Matthew Bogenschutz , Derek Nord , Amy Hewitt (2015). Competency-Based Training and Worker Turnover in Community Supports for People With IDD: Results From a Group Randomized Controlled Study . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 53(3), 182-195. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-53.3.182 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1182219132
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  8. Andrew McDonnell , Peter Sturmey , Chris Oliver , Joanna Cunningham , Samira Hayes , Martin Galvin et al. (2008). The effects of staff training on staff confidence and challenging behavior in services for people with autism spectrum disorders . Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 2(2), 311-319. Elsevier BV.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2007.08.001 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W1976804571
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  9. University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US , Bret Blackon , Joohee Lee , University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US , Rebecca Bain , University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, Mississippi, US et al. (2022). Person-centredness in the workplace: an examination of person-centred skills, processes and workplace factors among Medicaid waiver providers in the United States . International Practice Development Journal, 12(2), 1-12. Foundation of Nursing Studies.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.19043/ipdj.122.006 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4309754814
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  10. Daniel A. Boamah , Anita P. Barbee (2022). Prevalence of Secondary Traumatic Stress Among Direct Support Professionals in Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Field . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 60(4), 273-287. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-60.4.273 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4286610759
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  12. Linda Rhoades , Robert Eisenberger (2002). Perceived organizational support: A review of the literature. Journal of Applied Psychology, 87(4), 698-714. American Psychological Association (APA).
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1037//0021-9010.87.4.698 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2029532555
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  13. Matthew D. Bogenschutz , Amy Hewitt , Derek Nord , Renee Hepperlen (2014). Direct Support Workforce Supporting Individuals With IDD: Current Wages, Benefits, and Stability . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 52(5), 317-329. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-52.5.317 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2101429032
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  14. Kimberly Jamie , Adam Pattison Rathbone (2022). Using theory and reflexivity to preserve methodological rigour of data collection in qualitative research . Research Methods in Medicine & Health Sciences, 3(1), 11-21. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/26320843211061302 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3160934474
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  15. Catherine Houghton , Dympna Casey , David Shaw , Kathy Murphy (2013). Rigour in qualitative case-study research . Nurse Researcher, 20(4), 12-17. RCN Publishing Ltd..
    Type: Article DOI: 10.7748/nr2013.03.20.4.12.e326 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2087074240
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  16. Hirah A. Mir , Qingyang Liu , Oxana Rosca , Emily Blakeslee (2024). Factors That Influence the Tenure of Direct Support Professionals in New York State Provider Agencies . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 62(1), 14-26. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-62.1.14 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4391296874
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  17. Louise Camm-Crosbie , Louise Bradley , Rebecca Shaw , S. Baron-Cohen , Sarah Cassidy (2019). ‘People like me don’t get support’: Autistic adults’ experiences of support and treatment for mental health difficulties, self-injury and suicidality . Autism, 23(6), 1431-1441. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/1362361318816053 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2902777586
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  18. Kendall A. Leser , Phyllis L. Pirie , Amy K. Ferketich , Susan M. Havercamp , Mary Ellen Wewers (2018). The Perceived Role of Direct Support Professionals in the Health Promotion Efforts of Adults With Developmental Disabilities Receiving Support Services . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 56(1), 40-55. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-56.1.40 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2785494862
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  19. Ylona Chun Tie , Melanie Birks , Karen Francis (2019). Grounded theory research: A design framework for novice researchers . SAGE Open Medicine, 7, 2050312118822927-2050312118822927. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/2050312118822927 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2906994370
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  20. Melissa L. Desroches , Mirinda Tyo (2023). Promoting Resilience in Direct Support Professionals of Adults With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Qualitative Descriptive Study . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 61(3), 250-264. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-61.3.250 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4380225042
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  21. Andrew Gary Darwin Holmes (2020). Researcher Positionality - A Consideration of Its Influence and Place in Qualitative Research - A New Researcher Guide . Shanlax International Journal of Education, 8(4), 1-10. Shanlax International Journals.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.34293/education.v8i4.3232 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3082121050
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  22. Carli Friedman (2019). State Utilization of Direct Support Professionals in Medicaid HCBS Waivers . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 57(1), 1-13. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-57.1.1 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2911393191
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  23. Sarah N. Flynn , Hunter J. Harrington , Maddison K. Knott , Hung-Chu Lin (2020). Job Satisfaction in Direct Support Professionals: Associations with Self-Efficacy and Perspective-Taking . Societies, 10(2), 44. MDPI AG.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.3390/soc10020044 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3035508437
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  24. Johanna LoPorto (2019). Competency Development and Implementation among Direct Support Professionals in New York State . ScholarWorks (Walden University).
    Type: Dissertation OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W2935694269
    OpenAlex
  25. Sandra L. Pettingell , James Houseworth , Renáta Tichá , Julie E. D. Kramme , Amy S. Hewitt (2022). Incentives, Wages, and Retention Among Direct Support Professionals: National Core Indicators Staff Stability Survey . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 60(2), 113-127. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-60.2.113 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W4220701807
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  26. John M. Keesler , Jess Troxel (2020). They Care for Others, But What About Themselves? Understanding Self-Care Among DSPs' and Its Relationship to Professional Quality of Life . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 58(3), 221-240. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-58.3.221 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3032604460
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  27. Katherine E. Johnson , Caitlin E. Bailey , Nancy R. Weiss , Steven M. Eidelman (2021). Direct Support Professionals' Perspectives on Workplace Support: Underappreciated, Overworked, Stressed Out, and Stretched Thin . Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 59(3), 204-216. Informa UK Limited.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1352/1934-9556-59.3.204 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3165474980
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  28. LifeCourse Nexus. (2024). Lifecourse framework. https://www.lifecoursetools.com/lifecourse-library/lifecourse-framework/ .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  29. John D. Wenzel , Marisa H. Fisher , Matthew T. Brodhead (2022). Preparing Job Coaches to Implement Systematic Instructional Strategies to Teach Vocational Tasks . Career Development and Transition for Exceptional Individuals, 45(2), 71-85. SAGE Publications.
    Type: Article DOI: 10.1177/21651434211041918 OpenAlex: https://openalex.org/W3197410551
    Crossref OpenAlex OpenCitations
  30. LoPorto J. (2019). Competency Development and Implementation among Direct Support Professionals in New York State. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  31. (n.d.). Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration. (n.d.a). Partnering with providers. https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/providers.aspx .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  32. (n.d.). Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration. (n.d.b). Person-centered planning. https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Person-Centered_Planning.aspx .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  33. (n.d.). Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration. (n.d.c). Self-directed service model. https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Self-Determination.aspx .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  34. (n.d.). Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration. (n.d.d). Traditional service model. https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/Traditional.aspx .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  35. (n.d.). Maryland Department of Health Developmental Disabilities Administration. (n.d.e). Transitioning youth. https://health.maryland.gov/dda/Pages/TY.aspx .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  36. Medicaid. (n.d.). MD Community Pathways Waiver (0023. R08. 00). https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/section-1115-demo/demonstration-and-waiver-list/81941 .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  37. National Core Indicators. (2019). 2017 staff stability survey report. https://legacy.nationalcoreindicators.org/upload/core-indicators/2017_NCI_StaffStabilitySurvey_Report.pdf .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  38. Same Day Transcriptions. (2024). Same day transcriptions. https://www.samedaytranscriptions.com .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  39. Simkus J. (2023). Snowball sampling: Definition method and examples. https://www.simplypsychology.org/snowball-sampling.html .
    Type: Other
    Crossref
  40. U. S. Department of Labor. (n.d.). Direct support professionals (DSPs). https://www.dol.gov/agencies/odep/program-areas/individuals/DSP .
    Type: Other
    Crossref