Self-reported needs of caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVES: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has a major impact on caregivers. We aimed to describe caregivers' perceptions concerning their level of knowledge about ASD and their needs to better adapt education and training programs. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted through a declarative and self-administered survey in France. RESULTS: 1,013 individuals answered the questionnaire in 2020. If most caregivers felt they had sufficient knowledge about ASD, they still expressed a high level of needs regarding acquiring knowledge, identifying available resources, and finding social/emotional support. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the high level of needs of caregivers and their expectations of improving their knowledge and skills to help the person with ASD.

A scoping review of education and training interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorder.

OBJECTIVE: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Living with ASD requires that individuals and parents develop skills in order to cope with daily life. Education interventions are recommended to support them. This study aims to get an overview of education and training interventions in ASD. METHODS: A scoping review of international literature was conducted. RESULTS: 43 articles were analyzed. Four main types of intervention stand out: support groups, parental training; psychoeducation; therapeutic patient education. However, the majority of publications is focused on the parents rather than on individuals living with ASD, and the needs assessments identified focused on general needs rather than educational needs. CONCLUSION: While educational interventions for parents and individuals with ASD are now encouraged, considerable heterogeneity is observed. But this variety is not based on a reasoned approach to matching supply and needs. Future studies could focus more on the educational needs of individuals with ASD. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Overview of education and training interventions in ASD help health care providers to better understand the strengths and limitations of their interventions.