Self-reported needs of caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

TREATMENT of autism; CAREGIVER attitudes; CAREGIVERS; MEDICINE information services; SOCIAL support; SELF-evaluation; RESEARCH methodology; CROSS-sectional method; HEALTH literacy; HEALTH information services; ABILITY; TRAINING; PSYCHOLOGY of caregivers; AUTISM; DESCRIPTIVE statistics; QUESTIONNAIRES; INFORMATION needs; NEEDS assessment; PSYCHOLOGICAL adaptation

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on caregivers. We aimed to describe caregivers' perceptions concerning their level of knowledge about ASD and their needs to better adapt education and training programs. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted through a declarative and self-administered survey in France. Results: 1,013 individuals answered the questionnaire in 2020. If most caregivers felt they had sufficient knowledge about ASD, they still expressed a high level of needs regarding acquiring knowledge, identifying available resources, and finding social/emotional support. Conclusions: This study highlights the high level of needs of caregivers and their expectations of improving their knowledge and skills to help the person with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]