Experience of family members living with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: important psychological factors for intervention

Blanchard, Hannah (2013). Experience of family members living with a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder: important psychological factors for intervention. University of Birmingham. Clin.Psy.D.

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Abstract

This study aims to syntheses the literature assessing the effectiveness of training parents about interventions in a group and offering support in a group. Outcomes for parents, children and parenting are reported. Databases were searched from 1980-present day; 17 papers met the inclusion criteria for the review. Twelve papers looked at the effects of parent training programmes whilst the other five reported on the outcomes following support groups. The studies analysed had a variety of methodological limitations but suggested that parenting groups can have an effect on parent knowledge, and parenting. It is less clear if they have an effect on the child with ASD. Further research would be needed to strengthen these conclusions.

Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was used to investigate the experiences of parents and a sibling in 6 families. Four super-ordinate themes emerged from the analysis. ‘Life revolving around ASD’ ‘What’s ASD – what’s not?’ ‘ASD changing family roles’ and ‘Equality’. These were either unique to sibling or parent or shared experience. The results can be utilised by professionals working with these children and their families to highlight potentially different experiences and assumptions held by family members.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Clin.Psy.D.

Supervisor(s):