Parental Participation in Science Communication about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Abstract

The participation of family members of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), especially mothers, in the search and use of information on the subject to improve life quality is recognized. However, little is known about the participation ways, the knowledge, the tools for information circulation, the representations involved or the determinations arising from these processes. In order to understand the participation of family members of people with ASD in communicational actions on the theme as well as the related cultural elements, the Culture Circuit was used as a theoretical and methodological tool. An online questionnaire aimed at family members of people with ASD was applied, disseminated via associations. From a qualitative and quantitative analysis, it was realized that the science communication about ASD can be an important tool for communication between subjects and collectives involved with the theme. The search and production of information and formation of supportive networks between family members and specialists promote changes in perceptions, attitudes and values in the family group and often out of familiar contexts.