Addressing Parental Concerns at the Initial Diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Item request has been placed! ×
Item request cannot be made. ×
loading   Processing Request
Read More Add to Saved list
  • Author(s): Gaspar de Alba, Mario J.; Bodfish, James W.
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Jan-Mar 2011 5(1):633-639.
  • Physical Description:
    PDF
  • Publication Date:
    2011
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Research
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      7
    • Subject Terms:
      Mental Retardation; Autism; Identification; Parents; Developmental Delays; Parent Attitudes; Outcomes of Treatment; Surveys; Feedback (Response); Clinical Diagnosis; Children; Evaluation Methods
    • Accession Number:
      10.1016/j.rasd.2010.07.009
    • ISSN:
      1750-9467
    • Abstract:
      The core deficits in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) include socialization, communication, and the presence of repetitive, stereotypical interests and behaviors. In addition to these core problems the autism spectrum includes a variety of possible developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, medical issues, and co-morbid psychiatric disorders. As each child may present with a unique set of difficulties, it may be difficult for clinicians to adequately address each families concerns at the time of diagnosis. The object of this study was to assess what problems were of foremost important to parents at the time of their child's ASD diagnosis and to determine how well they felt those concerns were addressed during the diagnostic process. Four-hundred and thirty-eight parents of children with an ASD completed web-based surveys collecting demographic information and assessing areas of concern and how well those concerns were addressed at diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, core deficits were of most important to respondents but were considered well addressed only about half of the time. Also important was discussing information about treatments options with the diagnosing clinician. Clinicians could better address the core deficits in autism and their treatment options at the time they make an ASD diagnosis. (Contains 4 tables.)
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2010
    • Accession Number:
      EJ900355