Date of Award
2010
Publication Type
Master Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.
Department
Psychology
Keywords
Psychology, Clinical.
Supervisor
Gragg, Marcia (Psychology)
Rights
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Abstract
This study examined factors influencing parents toward obtaining early diagnoses of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for their children. Parents of children diagnosed with ASD at or before 30 months became concerned about development at an average of 16 months, while parents of children diagnosed later became concerned at 25 months. The younger children were at initial concern, the younger they received their diagnoses. Over 58% were referred for assessment of ASD by speech and language pathologists or occupational therapists. Parents reported that their persistence was a major factor in obtaining diagnoses. Parents described feelings of relief and gratitude when they received the diagnosis because they had direction on how to help their children. Parents emphasized their need to be heard when they approached health professionals about their concerns for their children's development. Implications of the results for promoting public awareness of early symptoms related to ASD are discussed.
Recommended Citation
Barrie, Debra, "Factors That Influence Parents Toward Early Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder" (2010). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 24.
https://scholar.uwindsor.ca/etd/24