Related resources
Search for item elsewhere
University researcher(s)
Academic department(s)
A survey of parents' reactions to the diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder by a local service: access to information and use of services.
Mansell W, Morris K
Autism. 2004;8( 4):387-407.
Access to files
Full-text and supplementary files are not available from Manchester eScholar. Use our list of Related resources to find this item elsewhere. Alternatively, request a copy from the Library's Document supply service.
Abstract
We conducted a postal survey of parents whose child had been diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder by a district diagnostic service. The service was regarded as having improved significantly following recent changes, but there were still shortcomings. Parents had obtained useful information from a range of other sources, including a parents' support group, school teachers, speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, the Internet, books and academic journals. Special units and schools were rated as the most useful source of support and treatment, but many other interventions were rated highly. Parents reported a diverse range of both negative and positive consequences of diagnosis, and many reported a change in their attitudes to diagnosis over time. Many expressed frustration with trying to get an early diagnosis, with the social, educational and health services, and with the way that autistic spectrum disorders are regarded by lay people and other parents.
Keyword(s)
Adult; Attitude to Health; Child; Child, Preschool; Data Collection; Diagnosis, Differential; Family Health; Female; Humans; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; Social Support; diagnosis: Autistic Disorder