ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to explore communication with health care providers from the perceptions of parents before their child's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and provide some examples of how communication may contribute to the autism diagnosis. METHOD: This study used a qualitative descriptive design with multiple individual structured in-person interviews. RESULTS: Three themes captured parents' (nâ¯=â¯8) descriptions of the phases of communication during their children's diagnoses including, (1) anguished questioning, (2) urgently seeking help, and (3) expecting a diagnosis. In addition, three themes characterized the communication style that parents needed, although not always received, in each of the periods of diagnosis including (1) compassionate curiosity, (2) acknowledgment and affirmation, and (3) engagement with parents. DISCUSSION: Results point to opportunities for pediatric providers to use a more empathic and engaging communication style during the diagnostic process with better identification of education and support needed by parents and families.
Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Autistic Disorder , Communication , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnosis , Autistic Disorder/diagnosis , Child , Health Personnel , Humans , Parents , Physician-Patient Relations , Qualitative ResearchABSTRACT
Social difficulties inherent to autism spectrum disorder are often linked with co-occurring symptoms of anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The present study sought to examine the relation between such co-occurring symptoms and social challenges. Parents of adolescents with autism (N = 113) reported upon social challenges via the social responsiveness scale (SRS) and anxiety and ADHD symptomatology via the Child Behavior Checklist. Results revealed differences in SRS scores across co-occurring symptom subgroups (Anxiety, ADHD, Both, Neither)-namely, adolescents with autism and anxiety as well as those with autism, anxiety, and ADHD showed greater scores on the SRS than the other groups. Implications for research and clinical practice are discussed and recommendations are offered. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1679-1689. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: Anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are related to greater social challenges for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder. The present study found that autism with anxiety and autism with anxiety and ADHD, was related to greater social difficulties than autism alone. Findings provide further support for the intertwined nature of anxiety and ADHD symptoms in autism. What this may mean for research and clinical practice is considered and recommendations are suggested.
