Abstract
The social isolation of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is well documented. Their dearth of friends outside of the family and their lack of engagement in community activities places extra strains on the family. A project in Northern Ireland provided post-diagnostic support to nearly 100 families and children aged from 3 to 11 years. An experienced ASD practitioner visited the child and family at home fortnightly in the late afternoon into the evening over a 12-month period. Most children had difficulty in relating to other children, coping with change, awareness of dangers, and joining in community activities. Likewise, up to two-thirds of parents identified managing the child’s behaviour, having time to spend with other children, and taking the child out of the house as further issues of concern to them. The project worker implemented a family-centred plan that introduced the child to various community activities in line with their learning targets and wishes. Quantitative and qualitative data showed improvements in the children’s social and communication skills, their personal safety, and participation in community activities. Likewise, the practical and emotional support provided to parents boosted their confidence and reduced stress within the family. The opportunities for parents and siblings to join in fun activities with the child with ASD strengthened their relationships. This project underscores the need for, and the success of family-based, post-diagnostic support to address the social isolation of children with ASD and their families.
Highlights
There has been a marked rise in the number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]
Interventions aimed at promoting community participation have proved effective and a systematic review identified the factors that contributed to their success
The project staff who had been involved with the children and families helped to devise a summary tool for assessing each child’s difficulties at the start of their involvement and the outcome achieved in relation to them
Summary
There has been a marked rise in the number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) [1]. A particular concern of parents is the lack of social and communication skills experienced by children with autism [4]. This often results in difficulties in interacting with their peers and isolation from community activities. Interventions aimed at promoting community participation have proved effective and a systematic review identified the factors that contributed to their success. This included facilitating “friendships alongside recreational participation, include typically developing peers, consider the activity preferences of children and adolescents in developing programmes, and accommodate individual impairments and needs through grading and adaptive leisure activities” [5] This included facilitating “friendships alongside recreational participation, include typically developing peers, consider the activity preferences of children and adolescents in developing programmes, and accommodate individual impairments and needs through grading and adaptive leisure activities” [5] (p. 825)
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