Autism spectrum: parents' perspectives reflecting the different needs of different families.
BMC Pediatr
; 24(1): 439, 2024 Jul 09.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38982431
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Parents of children on the autism spectrum often face great challenges in the care of their child. Early support tailored to families' individual needs is therefore crucial for the development and quality of life of both children on the autism spectrum and their families. However, to date it is unclear whether the support available meets the parents' needs. STUDYAIM:
To investigate how the system of care, support, and therapies for children on the autism spectrum is perceived by their parents.METHOD:
A total of 57 parents of Swiss children on the autism spectrum participated in an online survey, and 20 of them participated in additional semi-structured interviews.RESULTS:
We found that parents of children on the autism spectrum may face substantial challenges and that social support is essential. Two thirds of the participating parents reported a long and difficult diagnostic process as challenging, and 60% expressed their need for closer follow-up after diagnosis and more support. Only one third of the parents stated that they manage their everyday lives well, whereas 17.5% felt exhausted, and more than half of the parents responded that they felt challenged. One fifth indicated that they had poor family support, and half reported substantial financial challenges. At the same time, most families also emphasize how important their neurodivergent children are to the family`s life together.CONCLUSION:
It is important that primary pediatricians not only initiate the diagnostic process, but also assess the different needs of the different family independent of the diagnosis and, if necessary, initiate adequate measures or guide parents to institutions in charge. Parents who do not actively express their individual needs should nevertheless be advised about support services, including financial counseling. The positive aspects mentioned by families can be emphasized and used as resources to improve their quality of life.Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Padres
/
Apoyo Social
/
Trastorno del Espectro Autista
Límite:
Adolescent
/
Adult
/
Child
/
Child, preschool
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
País/Región como asunto:
Europa
Idioma:
En
Revista:
BMC Pediatr
Asunto de la revista:
PEDIATRIA
Año:
2024
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Suiza