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During the diagnostic evaluation period for autism or intellectual disability (ID), families of young children are at risk for poor adjustment. The present study aimed to document family quality of life (FQOL), along with associated risk and protective factors, during this critical step of families' services trajectory. FQOL was measured in a large sample of families of children recently diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental disorder and examined in relation to the type of services received, children's clinical profile, and family variables. FQOL was related to types of services, children's challenging behavior, parenting stress, and several aspects of family composition and status. These findings highlight a need for mental health support for parents, coaching interventions for challenging behaviors, and family-centered supports., Author(s): Mélina Rivard [sup.1] , Diane Morin [sup.1] , Patrick Coulombe [sup.2] , Marjorie Morin [sup.1] , Catherine Mello [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.38678.32, 0000 0001 2181 0211, Université du [...]

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects children and their families. We investigated the family environment of children with ASD in Brazil. Twenty-one families participated. Outcome measures administered to parents included the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Questionnaire on Resources and Stress-Short Form, and the Family Environment Scale. All families reported a number of difficulties, including social interactions and peer relationships, stress levels, and communication difficulties. Families also reported great concern for their child's future. Brazil is a developing country, yet there are few national resources and studies related to ASD. The challenges continue from diagnosis through treatment. Our results emphasize the need to understand the family environment of children with autism and their parents' apprehensions to develop effective coping programs., Author(s): Tatiana M. N. Flenik [sup.1] , Tiago S. Bara [sup.1] [sup.2] , Mara L. Cordeiro [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Faculdades Pequeno Príncipe, , Curitiba, Brazil (2) grid.517863.e, [...]

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities report high levels of distress, but systematically evaluated interventions are few. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel, manualized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention (Navigator ACT) in a sample of 94 parents of children with disabilities. Feasibility was measured by treatment completion, credibility, and satisfaction, and preliminary outcomes by using self-rating scales administered at the baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The results imply the intervention is feasible in the context of Swedish outpatient habilitation services. A preliminary analysis of the outcome measures suggests that parents experienced significant improvements in well-being. The results indicate that the treatment is feasible and should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial., Author(s): T. Holmberg Bergman [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , E. Renhorn [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] , B. Berg [sup.2] , P. Lappalainen [sup.5] , A. Ghaderi [sup.4] , T. Hirvikoski [sup.1] [sup.2] [...]

Recent research indicates that children with autism are at increased risk of maltreatment. We examined news media reports on homicide incidents involving children with autism as victims in the United States between 2000 and 2019. Of the 52 victims studied, 47 (90.4%) were male. Age of victims ranged from 2 to 20 years (mean = 10.4 ± 5.3 years). Parents and other caregivers accounted for 63.5% and 13.5% of the perpetrators, respectively. The leading injury mechanism was gunshot wounds (23.1%), followed by drowning (19.2%), and suffocation, strangulation, or asphyxiation (19.2%). The most commonly cited contributing factor (47.1%) was overwhelming stress from caring for the autistic child. These results underscore the importance of supporting services for caregivers of children with autism., Author(s): Joseph Guan [sup.1] , Ashley Blanchard [sup.2] , Carolyn G. DiGuiseppi [sup.3] , Stanford Chihuri [sup.4] , Guohua Li [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.262743.6, 0000000107058297, Rush Medical College, [...]

Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report higher levels of stress than parents of typically developing children. Few studies have examined factors associated with parental stress in early childhood. Even fewer have investigated the simultaneous influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and developmental variables on parental stress. We examined factors associated with stress in parents of young children with ASD. Multiple regression models were used to test for associations between socioeconomic indices, developmental measures, and parental stress. Externalizing behaviors, communication, and socialization skills accounted for variance in parental stress, controlling for ASD diagnosis. Results highlight the importance of interventions aimed at reducing externalizing behaviors in young children as well as addressing stress in caregivers of children with ASD., Author(s): Lindsay Olson [sup.1] [sup.2] , Bosi Chen [sup.1] [sup.2] , Cynthia Ibarra [sup.1] , Tiffany Wang [sup.1] , Lisa Mash [sup.1] [sup.2] , Annika Linke [sup.1] , Mikaela Kinnear [...]

This paper reported the quality of life (QoL) of 260 Malaysian parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and factors which influencing it. About half of these parents reported to having good QoL. The factors identified in the double ABCX model showed that perceived social support and sense of coherence (SOC) were mediated by coping strategies and had a positive direct and indirect effect on parents' QoL. These finding reiterate the importance of social support, coping skills, and strong SOC reflection skills in influencing the QoL of parents with ASD child. We therefore suggest parents to utilize the widely available social and organization supports to gain good QoL, which is also important for the wellbeing of their child., Author(s): Mohd Fahmi Ismail [sup.1] , Razitasham Safii [sup.1] , Rosalia Saimon [sup.1] , Md. Mizanur Rahman [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.412253.3, 0000 0000 9534 9846, Department of Community Medicine [...]

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show increased levels of parenting stress, but only one study has examined this association before a diagnostic evaluation. We conducted a cross-sectional study of parenting stress in 317 low SES parents with children at-risk for ASD before a diagnostic evaluation. Multiple regression modeling evaluated the associations between parenting stress and parent and child factors. Parenting stress was negatively associated with social support and positively associated with active avoidance coping and parental worry. However, parenting stress was not associated with the child's ASD symptom severity or adaptive functioning, except for self-direction. Findings suggest parenting stress among parents of children at risk of ASD should be assessed prior to diagnosis., Author(s): Yair Voliovitch [sup.1] [sup.5] , John M. Leventhal [sup.1] , Ada M. Fenick [sup.1] , Abha R. Gupta [sup.1] , Emily Feinberg [sup.2] [sup.3] , Emily J. Hickey [sup.2] [...]

Caring for an individual with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in ideal circumstances can be stressful, and the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic created a high degree of disruption to life and stress to families living with an individual with ASD. We conducted an online survey of families in Michigan that revealed higher levels of stress in caregivers of younger individuals with ASD and those with greater severity of ASD symptoms. Stress around therapeutic service disruption, finances, and illness predominated and greater stress was reported for caregivers of individuals receiving greater intensity of services pre-COVID-19. Respondents voiced concerns about receiving respite care during COVID-19, and those expressing interest in respite also reported greater symptom severity in the person with ASD., Author(s): Janessa Manning [sup.1] , Joseph Billian [sup.2] , Jill Matson [sup.1] , Colleen Allen [sup.1] , Neelkamal Soares [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Autism Alliance of Michigan, , 48025, Bingham [...]

This study examined whether child autistic symptoms would heighten parental affective symptoms through evoking enacted stigma from the community (i.e., public and courtesy stigma) and felt stigma within the parents (i.e., vicarious and self-stigma). Cross-sectional questionnaire data were collected from 441 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Path analyses showed that social communication and interaction deficits and restricted and repetitive behaviors in child autism were positively associated with public and courtesy stigma. While public stigma was positively associated with parental vicarious stigma, courtesy stigma was positively associated with parental self-stigma. Both vicarious and self-stigma were positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms among parents. Findings revealed how child autism could compromise parental well-being through exacerbating the family's stigmatizing experiences., Author(s): Kevin Ka Shing Chan [sup.1] [sup.2] , Donald Chi Kin Leung [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.419993.f, 0000 0004 1799 6254, Department of Psychology, The Education University of Hong Kong, [...]

Services for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families have evolved with the advent of the Medicaid waiver, leading to more family-based coordination of care. Evaluating family involvement, the current investigation compared 230 families of children with ASD receiving Medicaid waiver services to a propensity-score matched group of 230 families who were waiting for such services (i.e., registry families). Compared to the registry, waiver families reported more involvement in service planning tasks, but not activities related to future-planning, managing crisis situations, or searching for and securing funding. Additional analyses characterize waiver families as engaging in high levels of coordinating and delivering behavioral interventions for their child. Implications for family burden and future programming for waiver programs are discussed., Author(s): Gregory S. Chasson [sup.1] , Karen Goldrich Eskow [sup.2] , Jean Ann Summers [sup.3] , Taylor M. Dreher [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.62813.3e, 0000 0004 1936 7806, Department of [...]

This study presents findings from a feasibility trial, testing an 8-week psychosocial stigma protection intervention (SOLACE) designed to improve the mental health of parents of autistic children. Seventeen parents were stratified then randomly assigned to either SOLACE (n = 9) or control group (n = 8). Retention and adherence rates were excellent with minimal missing data suggesting SOLACE had good acceptability and feasibility. Quantitative analysis revealed that mental health scores had significantly improved for those who took part in SOLACE compared to no significant changes for control group participants. In addition, changes in secondary outcome measures (e.g. stigma, self-esteem and self-compassion) were in favour of SOLACE. Focus group interviews revealed that SOLACE was acceptable to parents. Results suggest that a full randomised controlled trial is warranted., Author(s): Annemarie Lodder [sup.1] , Chris Papadopoulos [sup.1] , Gurch Randhawa [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.15034.33, 0000 0000 9882 7057, Institute for Health Research, University of Bedfordshire, , Putteridge Bury, [...]

Previous literature has indicated that perceptions of social support (PSS) may be an important predictor of parental stress levels, particularly for parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The current study implemented structural equation modelling to further investigate the relationship between PSS and parental stress in a sample of 454 parents of children diagnosed with ASD. Results indicate that PSS derived from friends was the most important factor in protecting against stress, with PSS from both a significant other and family appearing to be less pervasive in this regard. In addition, the importance of PSS was further underlined by the finding that it remained a significant predictor of parental stress after controlling for the absence/presence of professional support., Author(s): Kateryna Drogomyretska [sup.1] , Robert Fox [sup.2] , Dylan Colbert [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.462116.6, 0000 0000 9626 1897, Department of Psychology, Dublin Business School, , 73/83 South Georges [...]

Parents of children with Autism experience high levels of stress. Resiliency is the ability to cope and adapt when faced with stressful events. This randomized, waitlist controlled pilot trial examines the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an adapted virtual mind-body group intervention for parents of children with ASD. The intervention was feasible and acceptable. The immediate treatment group showed no difference in distress and greater improvement in resiliency and stress reactivity/coping relative to the delayed treatment group, (M difference 5.78; p = .038 and M difference 7.78; p = .001 respectively). Findings showed promising feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy for parents of children with ASD., Author(s): Karen A. Kuhlthau [sup.2] [sup.3] , Christina M. Luberto [sup.4] , Lara Traeger [sup.4] , Rachel A. Millstein [sup.1] [sup.4] , Giselle K. Perez [sup.1] [sup.4] , Olivia J. [...]

This study explored stigma experiences of mothers of children with ASD and forgiveness as their coping response. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 6 mothers of children with ASD. Results of this study found several noteworthy themes including, feelings of mother, family/societal reactions, forgiveness factors, and impact of forgiveness. Mothers reported significant stigmatization from families and society. Some expressed their feelings towards themselves, others and God, and finally recounted the use of forgiveness as a coping resource which contributed significantly to their well-being. Findings from this study contribute to the emerging literature on forgiveness as a coping resource for persons who are offended. Implications for clinical practice, intervention and policy are discussed., Author(s): M. Oti-Boadi [sup.1] , E. Dankyi [sup.2] , C. O. Kwakye-Nuako [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.8652.9, 0000 0004 1937 1485, Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, , Legon, LG [...]

The purpose of this project was to understand the hopes of parents with children with ASD. Particularly understudied are the hopes parents have for long-term outcomes for their child. A cross-sectional focus group design was used and six focus groups were completed. These groups included parents of (1) preschool aged children who were recently diagnosed, (2) children in early elementary school, (3) children in later elementary school, (4) children in middle school, (5) children in high school, and (6) children who are adults with ASD. Results indicated 77.4% of the data were devoted to hopes for the children's independence, happiness, and skill improvement; increased authentic socially significant relationships; and future employment., Author(s): Erinn H. Finke [sup.1] , Jennifer M. D. Kremkow [sup.2] , Kathryn D. R. Drager [sup.3] , Angelique Murillo [sup.3] , Laura Richardson [sup.3] , Elizabeth C. Serpentine [sup.4] [...]

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reported higher stress than those of typically developing children. The role of child problem behaviors in the relationship between autism spectrum symptoms and parenting stress is little known. A total of 731 parents of 177 children with ASD and 554 typically developing children in primary schools (6-11 years old) completed an ASD screening survey containing measures of parenting stress and child problem behaviors. While autism spectrum symptoms were positively associated with parenting stress, the relationship was mediated by child problem behaviors. Results suggest neither the severity of autism spectrum symptoms nor knowledge of ASD diagnosis was a primary source of parenting stress. A hypothesized path model was tested using structural equation modeling., Author(s): Queenie K. Y. Siu [sup.1] , Huso Yi [sup.2] , Randolph C. H. Chan [sup.3] , Floria H. N. Chio [sup.4] , Dorothy F. Y. Chan [sup.5] , Winnie [...]

This review (Prospero Registration Number: CRD42017057915) aimed to systematically identify and summarize existing research on the relationship between additional emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) in children with autism, and parenting stress (PS) and mental health problems (MHP) in their parents. Sixty-seven studies met criteria for inclusion in the review, 61 of which were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled correlation coefficients were in the low to moderate range ( [Formula omitted]). Some evidence for moderation by measurement characteristics was found. Narrative review of concurrent adjusted associations showed some evidence for shared relationships with other factors, most notably ASD severity and parent perception of own parenting. Longitudinal studies showed mixed evidence for bidirectional predictive relationships between child EBP and parent psychological distress variables., Author(s): Isabel Yorke [sup.1] , Pippa White [sup.1] , Amelia Weston [sup.2] , Monica Rafla [sup.1] , Tony Charman [sup.1] , Emily Simonoff [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0001 2322 [...]

We examined predictors of mental health difficulties and wellbeing in caregivers of children with autism in the Pre-school Autism Communication Trial cohort in middle childhood (N = 104). Child's intellectual disability, daily living skills impairment, elevated emotional and behavioural difficulties, high educational level of caregiver and household income below the median significantly predicted caregivers' mental health difficulties, but autism severity, child communication skills and family circumstances did not. Lower caregiver mental wellbeing was predicted by elevated child emotional and behavioural difficulties. The need to support the mental health and wellbeing of caregivers of children with autism is discussed in light of the results., Author(s): Erica Salomone [sup.1] [sup.2] , Kathy Leadbitter [sup.3] , Catherine Aldred [sup.3] , Barbara Barrett [sup.2] , Sarah Byford [sup.2] , Tony Charman [sup.2] , Patricia Howlin [sup.2] , [...]

Although there is increasing research interest in the parenting of children with ASD, at present, little is known about everyday strategies used to manage problem behaviour. We conducted a meta-synthesis to explore what strategies parents use to manage irritability, non-compliance, challenging behaviour and anxiety in their children with ASD. Approaches included: (1) accommodating the child; (2) modifying the environment; (3) providing structure, routine and occupation; (4) supervision and monitoring; (5) managing non-compliance with everyday tasks; (6) responding to problem behaviour; (7) managing distress; (8) maintaining safety and (9) analysing and planning. Results suggest complex parenting demands in children with ASD and problem behaviour. Findings will inform the development of a new measure to quantify parenting strategies relevant to ASD., Author(s): Elizabeth O'Nions [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.4] , Francesca Happé [sup.3] , Kris Evers [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.5] , Hannah Boonen [sup.1] [sup.2] , Ilse Noens [sup.1] [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) [...]

The relative effects of different autism disclosure methods on the perceptions of a mother-child dyad were investigated. Using three conditions, disclosure card, disclosure bracelet, and no disclosure, U.S. community parents (N = 383) were asked 18 questions about their perceptions of the dyad. An ANOVA revealed significant protection from stigma for those in either disclosure condition compared to the no disclosure condition on two factors, Critical of the Mother/Child and Need to Protect Own Child, as well as a single item, Embarrassment for the Mother. These results reinforce findings that disclosure may effectively and efficiently reduce negative perceptions. The availability of multiple, effective methods of disclosure that reduce stigma allows parents to choose the method that best suits their individual preferences., Author(s): Jillian E. Austin [sup.1] , Ratka Galijot [sup.1] , W. Hobart Davies [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 0000 0001 0695 7223, grid.267468.9, , 2441 [...]

Dyadic coping strategies may play a pivotal role in relationship satisfaction and explain why some couples adapt positively to the challenges associated with raising a child with ASD and others do not. Survey data from 127 caregivers of a child with ASD were used in generalized estimating equation analyses to investigate the factors associated with relationship satisfaction, including socio-demographics, parenting stress and dyadic coping. Results showed that over two-thirds of the sample reported satisfaction, which was associated with low parenting stress, increased use of positive and decreased use of negative dyadic coping strategies. Positive dyadic coping was found to have a greater influence than negative dyadic coping, supporting a strengths-based approach to interventions promoting family resilience., Author(s): Angela Sim [sup.1] [sup.5] , Reinie Cordier [sup.1] , Sharmila Vaz [sup.1] , Richard Parsons [sup.1] , Torbjörn Falkmer [sup.1] [sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.4] Author Affiliations: (1) School of Occupational [...]

This study aimed to examine the influence of differences in household status on the parental stress, coping, time use and quality of life (QoL) among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders. Forty-three single and 164 coupled mothers completed the survey. Data were analysed using multivariate logistic regression. We found that single mothers were 1.05 times more likely to report lower levels of environmental QoL. Whilst they were 1.73 times more likely to use acceptance coping style, this association did not persist after adjusting for total number of children, household income and employment status. There was no difference in time use and stress between these mothers. Possible environmental issues for single mothers and implications for future research are discussed., Author(s): Tomomi McAuliffe [sup.1] , Reinie Cordier [sup.1] , Sharmila Vaz [sup.1] , Yvonne Thomas [sup.2] , Torbjorn Falkmer [sup.1] [sup.3] [sup.4] [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) School of Occupational Therapy [...]

Parents of children with autism often report feeling judged and are increasingly using disclosure cards to reduce negative perceptions. However, no empirical research has been conducted on the effectiveness of these cards. The present study used vignettes of a parent-child interaction in which the child was misbehaving and investigated the efficacy on 160 parents' perceptions. A unique survey was developed with two factors (Maternal Skill Deficit and Negative Reaction) and a single item (Sympathy for Mother). Those who received the disclosure card reported significantly lower Maternal Skill Deficit and Negative Reaction to the Dyad and no difference in Sympathy for the Mother. These results provide preliminary validation for the use of autism disclosure cards in buffering negative judgment., Author(s): Jillian E. Austin[sup.1] , Vanessa L. Zinke[sup.2] , W. Hobart Davies[sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2441 E. Hartford Ave, 53211, Milwaukee, WIUSA (2) Department [...]

This study aimed to identify parental stress predictors in ASD by considering individual and environmental factors in an ecological approach. Participants were 115 parents of children with ASD aged from 3 to 10 years. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the best predictors of parental stress among child-related, parent-related and environmental factors. Poor quality interactions within the extended family, high levels of expressed emotion and absence of children's schooling were associated with higher stress, regardless of the child's age and developmental quotient [F (3) = 37.051; p < 0.001; Adj. R.sup.2 = 0.457]. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors, specifically family variables, to understand parental stress. These key findings should be considered when designing support programs., Author(s): C. Derguy[sup.1] [sup.2] , K. M'Bailara[sup.1] [sup.4] , G. Michel[sup.1] , S. Roux[sup.1] , M. Bouvard[sup.2] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Psychology, Health and Quality of Life, EA 4139, University [...]

This study compared levels of state affect, dysphoric mood, and parenting sense of competence in Australian parents of children with or without autism. The effects of personality and location on the parents' experience were also examined, while controlling for current affect. Possible relationships among personality, location factors and help-seeking behavior were also explored in parents of children with autism. Prior findings of higher dysphoric mood levels in parents of children with autism were supported, as was the positive correlation between dysphoric moods and Neuroticism levels. Parenting Sense of Competence did not differ across locations, and there were no parent type by location interactions. Access to services among parents of a child with autism did not moderate dysphoria levels., Author(s): Matthew Snow[sup.1] , James Donnelly[sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) School of Health and Human Sciences, M.G.53, Southern Cross University, 2450, Coffs Harbour, NSW, Australia Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is [...]

Stigma is widely perceived in the lives of families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) yet large, systematic studies have not been undertaken. Following Link and Phelan's (Ann Rev Sociol 27:363-385, 2001 (See CR12)) model, this study of 502 Simons Simplex Collection families details how different factors contribute to stigma and how each appears to increase the overall difficulty of raising a child with ASD. The model begins with the child's behavioral symptoms and then specifies stigma processes of stereotyping, rejection, and exclusion. Autism behaviors contribute both to the difficulty families experience raising a child with autism and to the stigma processes associated with those behaviors. Stigma also plays a significant role (.282, p < .001) in predicting how difficult life is overall for parents., Author(s): Sydney H. Kinnear[sup.1] [sup.6] , Bruce G. Link[sup.2] [sup.3] [sup.7] , Michelle S. Ballan[sup.4] [sup.5] , Ruth L. Fischbach[sup.1] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Psychiatry, Center for Bioethics, [...]

Few published studies have reported on the psychological well-being of family members of individuals with Rett syndrome (RTT). Eighty-seven mothers of girls and women with RTT completed a questionnaire survey about their daughters' behavioral phenotype, current health, and behavior problems, and their own and a sibling's well-being. Mothers reported increased anxiety but similar levels of depression when compared to a normative sample. Across all problem domains on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, child and adolescent siblings (n = 39) were reported by mothers to have fewer difficulties than a normative sample. The severity of their daughters' RTT behavioral phenotype predicted increased anxiety and stress for mothers. Increased RTT daughters' current health problems predicted more maternal perceptions of positive gain., Author(s): Rina Cianfaglione[sup.1] , Richard P. Hastings[sup.2] , David Felce[sup.1] , Angus Clarke[sup.3] , Michael P. Kerr[sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Welsh Centre for Learning Disabilities, Institute of Psychological Medicine and [...]

This study examined psychological well-being and coping in parents of children with ASD and parents of typically developing children. 73 parents of children with ASD and 63 parents of typically developing children completed a survey. Parents of children with ASD reported significantly more parenting stress symptoms (i.e., negative parental self-views, lower satisfaction with parent-child bond, and experiences of difficult child behaviors), more depression symptoms, and more frequent use of Active Avoidance coping, than parents of typically developing children. Parents of children with ASD did not differ significantly in psychological well-being and coping when compared as according to child's diagnosis. Study results reinforced the importance of addressing well-being and coping needs of parents of children with ASD., Author(s): Wei Wei Lai[sup.1] , Tze Jui Goh[sup.2] , Tian P. S. Oei[sup.1] , Min Sung[sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Psychology, James Cook University Singapore, 149 Sims Drive, 387380, [...]

Conversations about the past support the development of autobiographical memory. Parents' strategies to elicit child's participation and recall during past event conversations were compared across three school-age diagnostic groups: autism spectrum disorder (ASD, n = 11), developmental language disorders (n = 11) and typically developing (TD, n = 11). We focused on the prevalence of directives versus enrichment of events. Groups did not differ in number of events, length, and total turns. However, parents of children with ASD produced more direct questions, corrections, and unrelated turns than parents of TD children. Results highlight how parents adjusted their conversational style to their child's communication difficulties to maximize interactions and how these strategies may affect the development of personal conversations., Author(s): Sylvie Goldman[sup.1] [sup.2] , Danielle DeNigris[sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Rose F. Kennedy Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Albert Einstein [...]

Abstract It is well recognised that chronic illness in children can have a significant effect upon siblings, but their viewpoints need to be sought if we are to change our [...]