Abstract
One hundred forty-nine parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) completed online questionnaires measuring
their beliefs about support groups and ASD, coping style, social support, mood, and use of support groups. Those currently
using parent support groups (PSGs) reported using more adaptive coping strategies than both parents who had never used PSGs
and parents who had used PSGs in the past. Past PSG users reported that they did not find the groups as beneficial as current
users, and parents who had never participated in PSGs reported difficulties with the accessibility of PSGs. Based on the current
results, interventions for parents of children with ASD that are focused on meeting the needs identified by participating
parents may be most effective.
their beliefs about support groups and ASD, coping style, social support, mood, and use of support groups. Those currently
using parent support groups (PSGs) reported using more adaptive coping strategies than both parents who had never used PSGs
and parents who had used PSGs in the past. Past PSG users reported that they did not find the groups as beneficial as current
users, and parents who had never participated in PSGs reported difficulties with the accessibility of PSGs. Based on the current
results, interventions for parents of children with ASD that are focused on meeting the needs identified by participating
parents may be most effective.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-9
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-012-1561-5
- Authors
- Tessen Clifford, Pathways for Children and Youth, 1201 Division St, Suite 215, Kingston, ON K7K 6X4, Canada
- Patricia Minnes, Department of Psychology, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257