Supporting a 'Good Life' for Autistic Children: Autistic Adults' and Parents' Perspectives
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| Title: | Supporting a 'Good Life' for Autistic Children: Autistic Adults' and Parents' Perspectives |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Kate Simpson (ORCID |
| Source: | Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice. 2026 30(4):972-982. |
| 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: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Quality of Life, Adults, Parents, Children, Interpersonal Relationship, Social Attitudes, Self Determination, Motivation, Environmental Influences, Well Being, Foreign Countries, Peer Acceptance, Interests |
| Geographic Terms: | Australia |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261418945 |
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| Abstract: | There has been limited research into what helps to promote autistic children's quality of life. This qualitative study, co-produced with autistic people, aimed to identify, from multiple perspectives, what helps autistic children to live a 'good life'. We conducted semi-structured interviews with autistic adults (n = 28) and parents of autistic children (n = 29). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four themes: "Being accepted by others in a way that allows the child to be themselves"; "Finding 'the things that light [the child]'"; "Having a sense of control over their own life" and "Physical/sensory environments matter." All themes were common to both autistic adults and parents of autistic children, with the exception of one sub-theme, which was predominantly driven by autistic adults' responses. These findings highlight potential pathways to support autistic children's quality of life now and into the future. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1501102 |
| Database: | ERIC |
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| Abstract: | There has been limited research into what helps to promote autistic children's quality of life. This qualitative study, co-produced with autistic people, aimed to identify, from multiple perspectives, what helps autistic children to live a 'good life'. We conducted semi-structured interviews with autistic adults (n = 28) and parents of autistic children (n = 29). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we identified four themes: "Being accepted by others in a way that allows the child to be themselves"; "Finding 'the things that light [the child]'"; "Having a sense of control over their own life" and "Physical/sensory environments matter." All themes were common to both autistic adults and parents of autistic children, with the exception of one sub-theme, which was predominantly driven by autistic adults' responses. These findings highlight potential pathways to support autistic children's quality of life now and into the future. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 1362-3613 1461-7005 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13623613261418945 |
