“The Biggest Difference in your Child’s Day”

Abstract

Selecting appropriate support goals is a critical part of evidence-based practice when working with children on the autism spectrum and their families. The aim of this study was to explore parents’ views and perspectives regarding the communication challenges experienced by their children on the autism spectrum to inform the goal selection process. We conducted an online survey of 105 parents and caregivers in which they shared the three biggest communication challenges for their children (aged 2-8 years) in an average day. Data were examined using content analysis. Seven categories of challenges were identified including everyday situations (general and specific), expressive and receptive language (general and specific for each), and other skills and behaviours. Participants varied substantially in how they conceptualised goals. Clinicians should recognise and account for the fact that parents’ understanding and prioritisation of their children’s communication needs vary when working together to formulate goals.

Keywords:

• Autism
• Communication
• Parent
• Goal Setting
• Language

Additional information

Notes on contributors

David Trembath

David Trembath is an associate professor in speech pathology at the Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University

Lauren Davis

Lauren Davis is a speech pathologist who has worked across public, not-for-profit, and private sectors, including mainstream and disability support services. Lauren has completed a Master of Education and Professional Research Studies through Griffith University, which explored the language development of young children on the autism spectrum with minimal verbal language skills.

Joanna Cox,

Joanna Cox is an agile coach and transformation consultant in large corporate organisations and represented ANZ bank in the collaborative project that formed the basis of this study

Veronica Frewer (née Rose)

Veronica Frewer is a speech pathologist at Joy Paediatric Therapy Services. She is also an honorary research fellow within the neurodisability and rehabilitation research group at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne

Rochelle Johnson,

Rochelle Johnson is an analyst at ANZ and an active autistic advocate, seeking a world where all autistic folk can thrive

Teresa Iacono

Teresa Iacono is Professor of Rural and Regional Allied Health, La Trobe Rural Health School, La Trobe University, Bendigo, Australia