scholarly journals The Quality of Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis: Families’ Views

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 256
Author(s):  
Rosabel Roig-Vila ◽  
Mayra Urrea-Solano ◽  
Diego Gavilán-Martín
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Methodological Approach ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Diagnostic Model ◽  
The Impact

The birth of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) tends to strongly disrupt family dynamics and functioning. However, the severity of the impact may be softened if the family feels supported during the diagnostic process. The Valencia region (Spain)—where this study is located—recently put in place a protocol to improve ASD detection and support for families. The aim of this study was to identify these families’ views on the quality of the process experienced and the operation of the new system. The participants were 34 families with a child who had been diagnosed with this condition. A mixed methodological approach was adopted. A descriptive analysis and an interpretative-phenomenological study were performed using SPSS v. 25 and AQUAD 7, respectively. The results showed that while families seemed to be relatively satisfied, there is still room for improvement in some important areas such as guidance and emotional support, the training of the professionals involved, and waiting time. It was concluded that significant improvements must be implemented in the new diagnostic model to successfully meet the demands of families in a context characterized by a paucity of studies.

scholarly journals Sibling Relationships, Personality Traits, Emotional, and Behavioral Difficulties in Autism Spectrum Disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Longobardi ◽  
L. E. Prino ◽  
F. G. M. Gastaldi ◽  
T. Jungert
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Sibling Relationships ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Sibling Relationship ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Behavioral Difficulties ◽  
Typically Developing ◽  
Emotional Symptoms ◽  
The Impact

This study focused on parents’ perceptions of the quality of sibling relationship and its association with some behavioral and emotional characteristics of the typically developing sibling. The participants were parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing siblings. The sample size was 43. The group comprised 14 fathers (32.6%) and 29 mothers (67.4%) aged 33–53 years (M=43.56; SD = 5.23). The parents completed measures of siblings’ emotional and behavioral difficulties, siblings’ personality, and sibling relationships and their impact on families and siblings. The results showed that behavioral difficulties such as emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention, and peer relationship problems were significantly associated with negative sibling relationships—characterized by rivalry, aggression, avoidance, and teaching behavior toward the brother or sister with an autism spectrum disorder. The implications are that sibling-focused interventions should focus on improving negative sibling relationships to reduce the impact on the difficulties of the typical development of the sibling of both genders and shape the content and delivery framework accordingly. This can be done by providing skills and approaches for enhancing sibling relationships so both parties benefit.

scholarly journals The Impact of Schizotypy on Quality of Life Among Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albin Klang ◽  
Britta Westerberg ◽  
Mats B. Humble ◽  
Susanne Bejerot
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Traits ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Schizotypal Personality ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizotypal personality disorder can be difficult to distinguish. Deficits in social relationships and social interaction, present in both conditions, are known to impair quality of life. The aim of the present study was to investigate if schizotypal symptoms affect quality of life among adults diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and to study the association between schizotypy and autistic traits among them. Methods: Participants diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (n=110) completed questionnaires exploring schizotypy (Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire – Brief Revised (SPQ-BR)), autistic traits (The Ritvo Autism, Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised Screen 14 items), anxiety and depression (The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale) and quality of life (Brunnsviken Brief Quality of Life Scale and the European quality of life index version 5D). Results: Schizotypy was found to be associated with anxiety, depressive and autistic symptoms, and poor quality of life. Although schizotypy was a predictor for impaired quality of life, this relationship was mediated by symptoms of anxiety and depression, plausibly inherent to autism. Autistic traits were positively associated with all higher order constructs of the SPQ-BR, i.e. positive and negative schizotypy, disorganization and social anxiety, as well as with poor quality of life. Conclusions: There is considerable overlap between schizotypy and autism that needs to be considered in research. Prominent schizotypal traits in people with ASD may constitute an endophenotype coinciding with a particularly poor quality of life.

scholarly journals Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Riyadh

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 76 ◽  
Author(s):  
Khaled Yousef Asi
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Child ◽  
Children With Autism ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Autistic Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship

<p>The current study aimed to identify the level of quality of life among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and the differences according to the relationship with the autistic child, gender, severity of disability. The sample consisted of (100) parents of children with autism spectrum disorder, enrolled in the program of autism, intentionally selected in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Quality of life scale prepared and utilized by the author after verification of validity and reliability. The results showed that the level of quality of life among the participants was medium, and the results showed statistically significant differences in the level of quality of life among the participants due to the impact of the relationship with autistic children, where differences were in favor of the parents, and the variable of gender of the autistic child, where differences were in favor of the males, and severity of the disability, where the differences were in favor of the mild group. The study recommended the need to draw the attention of officials in the care and service centers for children with autism spectrum to provide training programs and activities for parents of autistic children to raise the level of quality of life, especially mothers.</p>

Order out of chaos? Autism spectrum disorder coordinators’ impact on service delivery in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
pp. 103985622110092
Author(s):  
Matthew Eggleston ◽  
Katherine Eggleston ◽  
Hiran Thabrew ◽  
Shannon Hennig ◽  
Christopher Frampton
Keyword(s):  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
Parent Satisfaction ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Care Plans ◽  
Key Aspects ◽  
The Impact

Objective: To evaluate the impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) coordinators (ASDCs) on key aspects of the experience of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports in New Zealand. Method: Members of New Zealand ASD parent support groups were surveyed. Results: Of 516 parents, 41.3% had seen an ASDC. The majority were satisfied. Parents who saw ASDCs pre-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with the diagnostic process ( p = .04) and saw fewer professionals before receiving a diagnosis ( p = .04). Parents who had seen ASDCs post-diagnosis were more likely to be satisfied with post-diagnostic supports ( p < .001) and their coordination ( p < .001). Conclusions: ASDCs are well regarded by parents and improve key aspects of the process of obtaining an ASD diagnosis and post-diagnostic supports. Given the particularly low rates of parent satisfaction with post-diagnostic supports (23%) and their coordination (19%), ASDCs may be of most value when employed post-diagnosis to assist parents in navigating key supports and co-developing comprehensive individualised care plans.

Impact of Caregiver Burden on Quality of Life for Parents of Adult Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
Vol 124 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina N. Marsack-Topolewski ◽  
Heather L. Church
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Adult Children ◽  
Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Adult Child ◽  
Multiple Linear Regression Analysis ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This study sought to examine the impact of time, developmental, emotional, and financial burdens on the quality of life (QOL) for parents (aged 50+) of an adult child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Participants (N = 320) completed a web-based survey and could indicate interest in participating in one-on-one follow up interviews. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that two variables, developmental burden and impact of caregiving on finances, were statistically significant predictors of parents' QOL. Developmental burden was the strongest predictor of parental QOL, demonstrating an inverse relationship. Qualitatively, reported findings indicated that many parents were experiencing all four burdens. Findings highlighted the need to provide services and supports to alleviate burden among aging parents of adult children with ASD.

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