Priorities and Perspectives Regarding Goals and Outcomes of Support for Autistic Children under 12 Years: A Systematic Review
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| Title: | Priorities and Perspectives Regarding Goals and Outcomes of Support for Autistic Children under 12 Years: A Systematic Review |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Phoebe Jordan (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(6):1416-1429. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Information Analyses |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Adults, Parent Attitudes, Professional Personnel, Attitudes, Objectives, Attitudes toward Disabilities, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Foreign Countries, Family Attitudes |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia, United States, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, France, Ireland |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261433132 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Autistic individuals, family members, and professionals often hold differing perspectives on the goals and outcomes of supports for autistic children under 12 years. While traditional approaches prioritise the acquisition of neurotypical behaviours, emerging frameworks emphasise autonomy, self-determination, and well-being. This systematic review synthesised findings from 15 studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs, which were assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Communication, social inclusion, and child well-being emerged as shared priorities. Notable differences were observed; professionals tended to focus on normative developmental goals such as skill acquisition and behavioural compliance, while autistic individuals and family members more often valued flexibility, self-advocacy, and strengths-based approaches. Tensions persist between medicalised and neurodiversity-affirming paradigms. To ensure supports align with what matters to autistic people, future research should prioritise co-design with autistic individuals and families, embrace cultural responsiveness, and develop tools that can flexibly but consistently assess neurodiversity-affirming outcomes. These steps will support more ethical, inclusive, and meaningful goal-setting practices in autism research and support. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506535 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Autistic individuals, family members, and professionals often hold differing perspectives on the goals and outcomes of supports for autistic children under 12 years. While traditional approaches prioritise the acquisition of neurotypical behaviours, emerging frameworks emphasise autonomy, self-determination, and well-being. This systematic review synthesised findings from 15 studies using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods designs, which were assessed for methodological quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Communication, social inclusion, and child well-being emerged as shared priorities. Notable differences were observed; professionals tended to focus on normative developmental goals such as skill acquisition and behavioural compliance, while autistic individuals and family members more often valued flexibility, self-advocacy, and strengths-based approaches. Tensions persist between medicalised and neurodiversity-affirming paradigms. To ensure supports align with what matters to autistic people, future research should prioritise co-design with autistic individuals and families, embrace cultural responsiveness, and develop tools that can flexibly but consistently assess neurodiversity-affirming outcomes. These steps will support more ethical, inclusive, and meaningful goal-setting practices in autism research and support. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261433132 |
