Autistic and Autism Community Perspectives on Infant and Family Support in the First Two Years of Life: Findings from a Community Consultation Survey
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| Title: | Autistic and Autism Community Perspectives on Infant and Family Support in the First Two Years of Life: Findings from a Community Consultation Survey |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Catherine A. Bent (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2025 29(9):2282-2296. |
| 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: | 15 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Adult Education |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Community Attitudes, Infants, Community Surveys, Early Intervention, At Risk Persons, Parent Education, Community Involvement, Childhood Needs, Participant Characteristics, Family Programs |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613241262077 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | Emerging evidence suggests parenting supports implemented in the first 2 years of life may influence developmental outcomes for infants more likely to be Autistic. Yet questions remain about acceptability of these supports to the Autistic and autism communities. Through mixed-methods participatory research -- co-designed and produced by Autistic and non-Autistic researchers -- we sought diverse community perspectives on this topic, including to understand the relative acceptability of different support options. A total of 238 participants completed our online survey: 128 Autistic and 110 non-Autistic respondents, some of whom also self-identified as parents of Autistic, otherwise neurodivergent, and/or neurotypical children, and/or as health/education professionals and/or researchers. Most participants agreed that very-early-in-life approaches should help parents understand and support their children, and disagreed that these should seek to suppress autistic behaviour. Most agreed with the goal of respecting infant autonomy, and that parent education towards creating sensitive, accommodating environments could be appropriate, albeit with nuanced differences-of-opinion regarding the acceptability of specific therapeutic approaches. Participants generally endorsed the terms 'support' (vs 'intervention') and 'early-in-life' (vs 'at-risk'/'pre-emptive'). Engaging equal-power partnerships for the development, delivery of, and discourse around early-in-life autism supports will ensure end-user community values and needs are respected. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1479844 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | Emerging evidence suggests parenting supports implemented in the first 2 years of life may influence developmental outcomes for infants more likely to be Autistic. Yet questions remain about acceptability of these supports to the Autistic and autism communities. Through mixed-methods participatory research -- co-designed and produced by Autistic and non-Autistic researchers -- we sought diverse community perspectives on this topic, including to understand the relative acceptability of different support options. A total of 238 participants completed our online survey: 128 Autistic and 110 non-Autistic respondents, some of whom also self-identified as parents of Autistic, otherwise neurodivergent, and/or neurotypical children, and/or as health/education professionals and/or researchers. Most participants agreed that very-early-in-life approaches should help parents understand and support their children, and disagreed that these should seek to suppress autistic behaviour. Most agreed with the goal of respecting infant autonomy, and that parent education towards creating sensitive, accommodating environments could be appropriate, albeit with nuanced differences-of-opinion regarding the acceptability of specific therapeutic approaches. Participants generally endorsed the terms 'support' (vs 'intervention') and 'early-in-life' (vs 'at-risk'/'pre-emptive'). Engaging equal-power partnerships for the development, delivery of, and discourse around early-in-life autism supports will ensure end-user community values and needs are respected. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613241262077 |
