01 août 2014

Profile and predictors of service needs for families of children with autism spectrum disorders

Traduction: G.M.

 2014 Jul 29. pii: 1362361314543531. [Epub ahead of print]

Profil et prédicteurs de besoins de service pour les familles d'enfants avec des troubles du spectre autistique

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Increasing demand for autism services is straining service systems. Tailoring services to best meet families' needs could improve their quality of life and decrease burden on the system. We explored overall, best, and worst met service needs, and predictors of those needs, for families of children with autism spectrum disorders.

METHODS:

Parents of 143 children with autism spectrum disorders (2-18 years) completed a survey including demographic and descriptive information, the Family Needs Survey-Revised, and an open-ended question about service needs. Descriptive statistics characterize the sample and determine the degree to which items were identified and met as needs. Predictors of total and unmet needs were modeled with regression or generalized linear model. Qualitative responses were thematically analyzed.

RESULTS:

The most frequently identified overall and unmet service needs were information on services, family support, and respite care. The funding and quality of professional support available were viewed positively. Decreased child's age and income and being an older mother predicted more total needs. Having an older child or mother, lower income, and disruptive behaviors predicted more total unmet needs, yet only disruptive behaviors predicted proportional unmet need. Child's language or intellectual abilities did not predict needs.
Les besoins de services globaux et non satisfaits le plus souvent identifiés étaient les informations sur les services, le soutien familial et les soins de répit. 
Le financement et la qualité du soutien professionnel disponible ont été favorablement accueillis. La diminution de l'âge de l'enfant et des revenus et être une mère âgée prédit plus de besoins globaux. Avoir un enfant plus âgé ou une mère plus âgée, de faibles revenus, et des comportements perturbateurs prédit plus de besoins globaux non satisfaits, cependant seuls les comportements perturbateurs prédisent des besoins proportionnellement non satisfaits. Le langage de l'enfant ou les capacités intellectuelles ne permettent pas de prédire les besoins. 

CONCLUSION:

Findings can help professionals, funders, and policy-makers tailor services to best meet families' needs.
© The Author(s) 2014.

PMID: 
25073749
 

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