ERIC Number: EJ1468787
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-May
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: EISSN-1573-3432
Available Date: 2024-04-20
Community Priorities for Outcomes Targeted during Professional Supports for Autistic Children and Their Families
Rhylee Sulek1,2; Chris Edwards1,3; Ruth Monk4,5; Lee Patrick4; Sarah Pillar2; Hannah Waddington6
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v55 n5 p1890-1901 2025
Purpose: Professional supports play an important role in aiding autistic children's learning, participation, and overall wellbeing. Yet, limited research exists on stakeholders' perspectives and preferences regarding targeted outcomes for children undergoing support facilitated by professionals. This study investigated stakeholder views on the priority and appropriateness of outcomes intentionally targeted during the provision of supports to autistic children. Methods: A survey of 181 participants (including 72 autistic adults, 85 parents, and 69 professionals) from Australia and New Zealand was conducted. Participants rated the appropriateness and priority of 47 potential child and parent outcomes within the context of support. Results: The highest priority outcome was improving child mental wellbeing, with the lowest being reducing sensory seeking or avoidant behaviours. Priority ratings for certain outcomes differed based on the child's age. Over half of the participants rated "reducing sensory seeking/avoidant behaviours" and "reducing focused interests" as inappropriate outcomes of supports. Further, variations in the appropriateness of outcomes differed among participant groups. Conclusion: Reflecting the growing acceptance of neurodiversity-affirming practices, these results underscore support for targeting outcomes that are meaningful to the autistic and autism communities, with less emphasis on those which reflect neurotypical behavioural standards.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Outcomes of Treatment, Stakeholders, Normalization (Disabilities), Foreign Countries, Well Being, Sensory Experience, Behavior Problems
Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link-springer-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Australia; New Zealand
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Griffith University, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Gold Coast, Australia; 2Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, Australia; 3Autism Spectrum Australia, Chatswood, Australia; 4Autism New Zealand, Lower Hutt, New Zealand; 5University of Auckland, School of Medical Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand; 6Te Herenga Waka -Victoria University of Wellington, Faculty of Education, Wellington, New Zealand