Preschoolers with autism spectrum disorders: the impact on families and the supports available to them

Abstract

As more children are diagnosed at a younger age with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), a new population of families is growing requiring services. Little is known about their characteristics and need for support. Instead, past research has tended to focus on specialist assessments and interventions. Over 100 parents with a child aged under five years of age were interviewed individually at home using a semi‐structured questionnaire and standard rating scales. Although all children had been given a confirmed diagnosis of ASD at specialist community clinics, wide variations existed in the children’s developmental difficulties and in the characteristics of their families. A majority of families reported marked impacts on family life with increased levels of parental stress. However, the amount and type of professional support available to families were not related to child or family characteristics. Family‐centred intervention and support services are required and they should be available to parents irrespective of their child having a confirmed diagnosis.

Keywords:

• Preschool children
• Autism spectrum disorders
• Parents
• Diagnosis

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant to Autism NI (formerly known as PAPA) from the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and by special project funding from the Southern Health and Social Services Board. We are grateful to Elaine McGreevy, Michaela Reavy, Sue MacLeod, Nova Workman and Florence Trotter for assistance with data collection. Roy McConkey’s post is jointly funded with the Eastern Health and Social Services Board.