Parents of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do They Expect and Experience from Preschools?

• Published in: Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment 2021-01, Vol.17, p.3025-3037
• Main Authors: Westman Andersson, Gunilla, Gillberg, Nanna, Miniscalco, Carmela
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Annan medicin och hälsovetenskap; Annan samhällsvetenskap; Autism; autism spectrum disorder; Autistic children; Care and treatment; Children; Children & youth; Collaboration; Communication; Curricula; Education; Education, Preschool; Families & family life; Management; Multiple choice; Original Research; Other Medical Sciences; Other Social Sciences; Parents; Parents & parenting; Participation; Pediatric research; Pervasive developmental disorders; Play schools; preschool; Questionnaires; Surveys
• ISSN: 1176-6328; 1178-2021; 1178-2021
• DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S324291

In Sweden, children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) as well as other children in need of special support, according to the law should be provided stimulation and support for their development in their preschools. Parents of children diagnosed with ASD have been shown to struggle to ensure the right to support for their child from society, including in preschool. This study reports parent expectations and experiences when having a child diagnosed with ASD in preschool. A questionnaire with 12 open-ended and 9 multiple-choice questions was completed by parents of 26 children (3 girls, 23 boys, mean age 4:3 years). The children had been diagnosed with ASD within the last year. The data were analyzed using a qualitative inductive approach with a content analysis of the open-ended questions. This study shows that parents expect competence and knowledge about ASD among preschool staff, including the principal. They need continuous dialogue between parents and the preschool staff and expect individualized support for their child. Concerns about their child in preschool frequently occurred.