An action research enquiry in one unitary local authority about the experiences of support available to parents and mainstream secondary schools for children with a diagnosis of autism

Lawton, Susan Patricia (2013). An action research enquiry in one unitary local authority about the experiences of support available to parents and mainstream secondary schools for children with a diagnosis of autism. University of Birmingham. Ed.Psych.D.

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Abstract

The number of children with autism has steadily risen in recent years (Fombonne, 2005) and with the first parliamentary Act to identify a specific disability group (Autism Act, 2010), momentum has gathered in reviewing and refining service delivery to, and for, families of children with a diagnosis of autism. This thesis is an account of an episode of collaborative action research, undertaken by an educational psychologist in her employing local authority, which explores the perceptions of key stakeholders (adults in schools, and parents of children with a diagnosis of autism) about existing services available to parents and schools staff to support children with autism.

The findings indicate the need for EPs and other professionals to take a fuller account of parents’ differing and changing needs throughout the assessment and intervention process and ensure EP practice provides carefully calibrated advice, knowledge and understanding of autism.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ed.Psych.D.

Supervisor(s):