Evaluation of an Information Resource for Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://sagepub.com

Y

14

Mothers; Autism; Focus Groups; Parent Attitudes; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Parent Education; Parent Materials; Resource Materials; Textbook Evaluation; Textbook Research; Disability Identification; User Satisfaction (Information); Foreign Countries; Content Analysis

10.1177/1362361309342570

1362-3613

This study sought to evaluate a newly created information resource book for parents of children newly diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder entitled "Autism Spectrum Disorder: Information for Parents." A purposive sample of 13 participants (comprised of mothers of children with ASD and ASD service providers) participated in 1 of 3 focus groups. Focus group participants provided their feedback regarding the accessibility, usefulness, content accuracy and tone of the resource book. Findings reveal that concise yet comprehensive and hopeful information targeted to parents at diagnosis, has been lacking in ASD practice. This supportive informational resource book addresses this gap in supporting family adaptation and mobilization at the key juncture of diagnosis. Suggestions for resource refinement and future development of similar diagnostic-related literature to support families of newly-diagnosed children are outlined.

As Provided

31

2010

EJ880125