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Identifying the needs of families of children with autism spectrum disorder from specialists and parents’ perspectives: A qualitative study

Background: Families face many challenges in caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) throughout their lives. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the needs of families of children with ASD from specialists and parents’ perspectives. Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with ASD specialists (n = 19) and parents of children with ASD (n = 23). Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative analysis was conducted using a content analysis approach. Results: The needs of families were divided into nine themes and 11 sub-themes from the perspective of experts and four themes and 17 sub-themes from the point of view of parents. Major themes identified from the perspective of ASD specialists as the main needs of families included knowledge, skills, attitude, social needs, financial needs, educational needs, mental health services, ability to handle other family issues, and ability to deal with the specific child’s problems. Also, information, service, support, and financial needs were the four main categories of needs expressed by the parents. Conclusions: In general, understanding the needs of families is among the experts and the families somewhat similar but differs from each other in many ways. Achieving a shared understanding of family needs among professionals, parents, and policymakers can better address those needs. 

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Key Information

Type of Reference
Jour
Type of Work
Journal article
Publisher
Brieflands
ISBN/ISSN
17358639
Publication Year
2021
Issue Number
4
Journal Titles
Iranian Journal of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Volume Number
14
Start Page
e107203