Examining the utilisation and usefulness of social support for mothers with young children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT

Background Social support has been described as a vital resource for families with children with disability. Although the benefits of social support have been described, little is known about the utilisation patterns in families of young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method In a community sample of 78 American families with children (2–6 years) with ASD, this study examined the utilisation and usefulness of social support. Child, family, and service variables related to social support were explored.

Results Mothers of children with ASD reported using a combination of formal and informal supports, and these were perceived to be helpful. Sociodemographic variables, child behaviour problems, satisfaction with the autism diagnostic process, and access to information about ASD predicted social support utilisation.

Conclusion Social support utilisation varies as a function of different child, family, and service variables. Understanding these variables may help professionals guide families in access to and use of social support.

KEYWORDS:

• autism spectrum disorder
• social support
• early childhood
• families

Acknowledgements

We thank Leah Wildenger Welchons and Nicole Quintero for assistance with data collection. We appreciate the children and families who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research was funded in part by a grant from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (R03HD047711) and an Innovation Grant from the Burton Blatt Institute, which was awarded to the first author.