Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention
The social isolation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented. Their dearth of friends outside of the family and their lack of engagement in community activities places extra strains on the family. A project in Northern Ireland provided post-diagnostic support to nearly 100...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2020-05-01
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| Series: | Brain Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/5/318 |
| _version_ | 1797567095058202624 |
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| author | Roy McConkey Marie-Therese Cassin Rosie McNaughton |
| author_facet | Roy McConkey Marie-Therese Cassin Rosie McNaughton |
| author_sort | Roy McConkey |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The social isolation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented. Their dearth of friends outside of the family and their lack of engagement in community activities places extra strains on the family. A project in Northern Ireland provided post-diagnostic support to nearly 100 families and children aged from 3 to 11 years. An experienced ASD practitioner visited the child and family at home fortnightly in the late afternoon into the evening over a 12-month period. Most children had difficulty in relating to other children, coping with change, awareness of dangers, and joining in community activities. Likewise, up to two-thirds of parents identified managing the child’s behaviour, having time to spend with other children, and taking the child out of the house as further issues of concern to them. The project worker implemented a family-centred plan that introduced the child to various community activities in line with their learning targets and wishes. Quantitative and qualitative data showed improvements in the children’s social and communication skills, their personal safety, and participation in community activities. Likewise, the practical and emotional support provided to parents boosted their confidence and reduced stress within the family. The opportunities for parents and siblings to join in fun activities with the child with ASD strengthened their relationships. This project underscores the need for, and the success of family-based, post-diagnostic support to address the social isolation of children with ASD and their families. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T19:36:45Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-8a6d7305e1a04ea7a0672060df2d1775 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2076-3425 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T19:36:45Z |
| publishDate | 2020-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Brain Sciences |
| spelling | doaj.art-8a6d7305e1a04ea7a0672060df2d17752023-11-20T01:35:49ZengMDPI AGBrain Sciences2076-34252020-05-0110531810.3390/brainsci10050318Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred InterventionRoy McConkey0Marie-Therese Cassin1Rosie McNaughton2Institute of Nursing and Health Research, Ulster University, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB, UKCedar Foundation, Belfast BT6 8RB, UKCedar Foundation, Belfast BT6 8RB, UKThe social isolation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented. Their dearth of friends outside of the family and their lack of engagement in community activities places extra strains on the family. A project in Northern Ireland provided post-diagnostic support to nearly 100 families and children aged from 3 to 11 years. An experienced ASD practitioner visited the child and family at home fortnightly in the late afternoon into the evening over a 12-month period. Most children had difficulty in relating to other children, coping with change, awareness of dangers, and joining in community activities. Likewise, up to two-thirds of parents identified managing the child’s behaviour, having time to spend with other children, and taking the child out of the house as further issues of concern to them. The project worker implemented a family-centred plan that introduced the child to various community activities in line with their learning targets and wishes. Quantitative and qualitative data showed improvements in the children’s social and communication skills, their personal safety, and participation in community activities. Likewise, the practical and emotional support provided to parents boosted their confidence and reduced stress within the family. The opportunities for parents and siblings to join in fun activities with the child with ASD strengthened their relationships. This project underscores the need for, and the success of family-based, post-diagnostic support to address the social isolation of children with ASD and their families.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/5/318ASDautismfamiliessocial inclusion: home-basedIreland |
| spellingShingle | Roy McConkey Marie-Therese Cassin Rosie McNaughton Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention Brain Sciences ASD autism families social inclusion: home-based Ireland |
| title | Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention |
| title_full | Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention |
| title_fullStr | Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention |
| title_full_unstemmed | Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention |
| title_short | Promoting the Social Inclusion of Children with ASD: A Family-Centred Intervention |
| title_sort | promoting the social inclusion of children with asd a family centred intervention |
| topic | ASD autism families social inclusion: home-based Ireland |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/10/5/318 |
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