Perceived Impact, Needs, and Resources of Grandparents of Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Study.
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| Title: | Perceived Impact, Needs, and Resources of Grandparents of Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Qualitative Study. |
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| Authors: | Baena, Sofía (AUTHOR), Jiménez, Lucía (AUTHOR), Bejarano, Sonia (AUTHOR), Hidalgo, Victoria (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Jan2026, Vol. 56 Issue 1, p278-295. 18p. |
| Subjects: | Asperger's syndrome in children, Cross-sectional method, Autism in children, Qualitative research, Interviewing, Content analysis, Statistical sampling, Positive psychology, Services for caregivers, Psychological adaptation, Asperger's syndrome in adolescence, Thematic analysis, Leisure, Research methodology, Religion, Needs assessment, Individual development, Data analysis software, Caregiver attitudes, Autism in adolescence, Intergenerational relations, Suffering |
| Geographic Terms: | Spain |
| Abstract: | Grandparents play different roles in families of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. They are frequently engaged in caregiving tasks with the person on the autism spectrum, providing emotional and instrumental support to the family. However, despite their frequent involvement and the importance of their role in the family, there are few studies that address the experiences of these grandparents, particularly in the Spanish and southern Europe context. This study explores the impact and needs of having a grandchild on the autism spectrum and the resources that grandparents have and use to face the difficulties that arise. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 17 grandparents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. We conducted a coding reliability thematic analysis of the impact and used a quantitative content analysis of grandparents' needs and resources. Results indicated three main aspects related to the impact: personal growth, wanting to help and not being able to, and suffering at three levels: for themselves, their sons and daughters, and grandchildren. Grandparents perceived needs in four contexts: their own needs, the needs of the nuclear family, the needs of the person on the autism spectrum, and the needs of society. The most frequent needs were informational and management of behavioral difficulties. In the resources, the most frequently used strategies were religious beliefs and informal support seeking. It is essential to address the quality of parents-grandparents' relationships, and include grandparents in intervention programmes, as a way of addressing grandparents' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Grandparents play different roles in families of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. They are frequently engaged in caregiving tasks with the person on the autism spectrum, providing emotional and instrumental support to the family. However, despite their frequent involvement and the importance of their role in the family, there are few studies that address the experiences of these grandparents, particularly in the Spanish and southern Europe context. This study explores the impact and needs of having a grandchild on the autism spectrum and the resources that grandparents have and use to face the difficulties that arise. A semi-structured interview was carried out with 17 grandparents of children and adolescents on the autism spectrum. We conducted a coding reliability thematic analysis of the impact and used a quantitative content analysis of grandparents' needs and resources. Results indicated three main aspects related to the impact: personal growth, wanting to help and not being able to, and suffering at three levels: for themselves, their sons and daughters, and grandchildren. Grandparents perceived needs in four contexts: their own needs, the needs of the nuclear family, the needs of the person on the autism spectrum, and the needs of society. The most frequent needs were informational and management of behavioral difficulties. In the resources, the most frequently used strategies were religious beliefs and informal support seeking. It is essential to address the quality of parents-grandparents' relationships, and include grandparents in intervention programmes, as a way of addressing grandparents' needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01623257 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06537-6 |
