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Support Needs of Families Living with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Abstract

This study examined the perceived availability and helpfulness of supports used by caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in New Zealand, particularly for caregivers who are Māori, and who live rurally. Caregivers (N = 92) completed the Family Support Scale with comparisons analysed using t tests. Free text comments were invited and analysed using a general inductive approach. More support was perceived as available by Non-Māori than Māori p = 0.03, 95 % CI (0.21, 3.88). Spouses were rated as the most helpful support. Professional helpers were rated as ‘somewhat helpful’. Helpful support emphasised caring, knowledge and accessibility. Ethnic differences in perceptions of support endorse calls for culturally tailored supports. Informal supports are highly valued however professional supports require development to better meet caregiver needs.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank the caregivers that took part in the research, as well as the organisations that assisted with recruitment. This research was undertaken as work towards a Master’s degree.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand

    Billie Margaret Jean Searing, Fiona Graham & Rebecca Grainger

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  1. Billie Margaret Jean Searing
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  2. Fiona Graham
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  3. Rebecca Grainger
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Correspondence to Billie Margaret Jean Searing.

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Searing, B.M.J., Graham, F. & Grainger, R. Support Needs of Families Living with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 3693–3702 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-015-2516-4

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