ERIC Number: EJ1336614
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022-May
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Caregiver Perspectives on the Impact of Uncertainty on the Everyday Lives of Autistic Children and Their Families
Goodwin, Jane; Rob, Priyanka; Freeston, Mark; Garland, Deborah; Grahame, Victoria; Kernohan, Ashleigh; Labus, Marie; Osborne, Malcolm; Parr, Jeremy R; Wright, Catharine; Rodgers, Jacqui
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v26 n4 p827-838 May 2022
Approximately 50% of autistic children experience high anxiety. Intolerance of uncertainty (tendency to react negatively to uncertain situations) is a key mechanism in the development and maintenance of anxiety. This study aimed to provide a descriptive, thematic analysis of the impact on uncertainty on the daily lives of autistic children and their families. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents and caregivers of 53 autistic children (including 3 dyads) aged 6-16 years to elicit examples of uncertain situations that the children found challenging and to explore the impact of these situations on family life. Thematic analysis revealed five overarching themes: child's reactions to uncertainty, trying to reduce uncertainty, the impact of difficulties with uncertainty, the impact of uncertainty on parenting and the impact on parents. These findings provide a crucial understanding into the range of uncertain situations autistic children with anxiety experience. Anxiety-reduction approaches based on increasing tolerance to everyday uncertain situations could help improve well-being, quality of life and participation for autistic children and their families.
Descriptors: Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Anxiety, Family Environment, Responses, Child Rearing, Parent Attitudes, Coping, Well Being, Children, Environmental Influences, Stress Management, Self Esteem, Friendship
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A