Community Priorities for Outcomes Targeted during Professional Supports for Autistic Children and Their Families
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| Title: | Community Priorities for Outcomes Targeted during Professional Supports for Autistic Children and Their Families |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Rhylee Sulek, Chris Edwards, Ruth Monk, Lee Patrick, Sarah Pillar, Hannah Waddington |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(5):1890-1901. |
| Availability: | 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/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 12 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Outcomes of Treatment, Stakeholders, Normalization (Disabilities), Foreign Countries, Well Being, Sensory Experience, Behavior Problems |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia, New Zealand |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06333-2 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | 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. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1468787 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | 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. |
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| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06333-2 |
