Assessing needs in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: A crucial preliminary step to target relevant issues for support programs

Background Raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) implies significant stress levels and changes in family functioning. Most studies deal with parental difficulties, whereas those focusing on parental self-reported support needs related to ASD are fewer, especially in France. Our obje...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of intellectual & developmental disability 2015-04, Vol.40 (2), p.156-166
Main Authors: Derguy, Cyrielle, Michel, Grégory, M'bailara, Katia, Roux, Solenne, Bouvard, Manuel
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Autism
autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Children
Children & youth
Family Needs
Foreign Countries
Humanities and Social Sciences
Needs analysis
Needs Assessment
Parent Education
parent support
parenting needs
Parents
Parents & parenting
Pervasive Developmental Disorders
Psychology
Social support
Social Support Groups
therapeutic education
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Summary:Background Raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) implies significant stress levels and changes in family functioning. Most studies deal with parental difficulties, whereas those focusing on parental self-reported support needs related to ASD are fewer, especially in France. Our objective was to explore in a French sample the needs of parents of children with ASD so as to provide recommendations for support. Method Parents were interviewed (N = 162, including 84 controls), and content analysis was performed from parental responses. Results Six dimensions of need emerged: material, information, guidance, daily management, relational support, and emotional support. Needs priorities were different for parents with a child with ASD involving the transmission of knowledge and skills as well as emotional and relational support. Conclusions This study highlights the need to develop support programs focused on the needs of the parents that reflect educational, behavioural, and psychological dimensions.
ISSN:1366-8250
1469-9532
1469-9532
DOI:10.3109/13668250.2015.1023707