"Longitudinal Association of Maternal Depressive Symptoms and Early Intervention (EI) Disability Services Uptake, and Mothers' Mental Health Service Use", Yui Matsuda, PhD, PI, Brian McCabe, PhD

A mother's good mental health is associated with her children's physical and mental well-being. In the United States (U.S.), children between 0-3 years who have either a high risk for disability due to predisposing medical indications or significant developmental delays, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), can receive intensive services to assist in their development or functional status.


The service is called Early Intervention (EI) disability services. Parental involvement is critical in order to maximize the benefit of the therapies. Maternal depressive symptoms can potentially have a negative effect on EI services uptake. However, the impact of chronic untreated maternal depressive symptoms on EI service uptake over time is unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms over time and EI service uptake. The study provides information to help target the highest risk population, and help discern the best timing to offer support and resources to alleviate maternal depressive symptoms. Early Childhood Longitudinal Study and Birth-Cohort (ECLS-B) datasets are used for this study. This is a collaboration project with Dr. Brian McCabe. A manuscript is in preparation.