Messages from Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Abstract

This article presents the results of an on-line questionnaire answered by 137 parents of children with ASD. The questionnaire sought parental opinion about what content and messages should be included in a DVD about ASD. Parents’ predominant messages were that: ASD is not an illness that can be cured; children with ASD think and act differently; people need to accept and accommodate these differences; include children with ASD and their families, and treat them with dignity and respect. Parents emphasised the importance of their children having friends, being included in everyday and special activities; being shown acceptance and kindness, and being safe in the school and community environment. They also described a variety of strategies that had proved successful with their children both at school and in the wider community. These strategies and parental concerns are strongly supported in the research literature.