Impact of Autism on the Family
Introduction
Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a developmental condition, which is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, social communication and rigidity of thought; referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’ as defined by Wing and Gould in 1979. More often children with autism will also have additional difficulties, thus further compounding the already profound impact on the family. The impact of having a child with autism varies from family to family, however it generally affects all members and is far reaching, impacting emotionally, physically and financially.
Diagnosis
Difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis of autism are well documented, and as children with autism often display developmental difficulties from birth, families experience much early frustration as said by Lawson (2000), ‘Families... may even think that their child is simply out to make life difficult for them. More often than not, the child simply hasn’t understood’. In addition the delay in diagnosis can lead to its own stresses due to uncertainty, as well as delay in appropriate interventions and specialist educational provision. Even before diagnosis, the majority of families are aware of early abnormalities in their child’s development, this was confirmed in the pilot study by Midence & O’Neill (1999). This study also concluded an earlier diagnosis is needed, and better awareness of developmental problems in young children is needed by health professionals, as once diagnosed parents can begin the adjustment process, and begin to comprehend the diagnosis and plan for the future.
The diagnosis itself can have a significant impact on the parents, as it often follows many years of struggling to find an explanation for their child’s behaviour. Nissenbaum et al (2002) studied the impact of diagnosis on families and professionals and they found that parents felt relief to be a benefit as they no longer felt that the problems experienced were due to their poor
Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) is a developmental condition, which is characterised by difficulties in social interaction, social communication and rigidity of thought; referred to as the ‘triad of impairments’ as defined by Wing and Gould in 1979. More often children with autism will also have additional difficulties, thus further compounding the already profound impact on the family. The impact of having a child with autism varies from family to family, however it generally affects all members and is far reaching, impacting emotionally, physically and financially.
Diagnosis
Difficulties in obtaining a diagnosis of autism are well documented, and as children with autism often display developmental difficulties from birth, families experience much early frustration as said by Lawson (2000), ‘Families... may even think that their child is simply out to make life difficult for them. More often than not, the child simply hasn’t understood’. In addition the delay in diagnosis can lead to its own stresses due to uncertainty, as well as delay in appropriate interventions and specialist educational provision. Even before diagnosis, the majority of families are aware of early abnormalities in their child’s development, this was confirmed in the pilot study by Midence & O’Neill (1999). This study also concluded an earlier diagnosis is needed, and better awareness of developmental problems in young children is needed by health professionals, as once diagnosed parents can begin the adjustment process, and begin to comprehend the diagnosis and plan for the future.
The diagnosis itself can have a significant impact on the parents, as it often follows many years of struggling to find an explanation for their child’s behaviour. Nissenbaum et al (2002) studied the impact of diagnosis on families and professionals and they found that parents felt relief to be a benefit as they no longer felt that the problems experienced were due to their poor