Project Description:
This study aims to explore parents' understanding, beliefs, and feelings about their child's autism assessment. We hypothesize that parents' perception of an autism diagnosis varies between parents. This project will explore parent perceptions and understanding of their childs autism evaluation and diagnosis. This study will administer a survey to parents about their experience of having their child receive an assessment for autism. The survey will ask about their perceptions and beliefs regarding the autism diagnosis, such as the relationship between the diagnosis and quality/quantity of service; the differences between community perception and support of an autism diagnosis versus another diagnosis; and general understanding of the etiology and causes of autism. The sample will include parents who received an autism evaluation for their child through the UCEDD. All parents completing the survey will then be invited to participate in a focus group, facilitated by Drs. Irina Zamora and Jenna Chin, in which perceptions and understanding about the autism diagnosis will be further explored. Information gathered from the surveys and focus groups will be analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods.
Keyword(s):
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Assessment, Parent Perceptions
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation
Area of Emphasis
Education & Early Intervention
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Children/Adolescents with Disabilities/SHCN
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Disadvantaged Circumstances, Geographic Areas, Urban
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
Single-County
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
