Serving and supporting young children with a dual diagnosis of hearing loss and autism: The stories of four families

Abstract

The research on young children with a dual diagnosis of hearing loss and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is meager and scattered. Pockets of research on this population of children suggest that it is difficult to make the diagnosis of ASD in children with hearing loss. A case study design was used to examine the diagnostic process for young children and their families. The study found that the diagnosis of hearing loss was made first and that obtaining an ASD diagnosis and the appropriate services was complicated. The findings provide insight into how to support and provide intervention to families with children who have a dual diagnosis.