Premium
Understanding A utism and understanding my child with A utism: An evaluation of a group parent education program in rural A ustralia
Author(s) -
Farmer Judy,
Reupert Andrea
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
australian journal of rural health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.48
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1440-1584
pISSN - 1038-5282
DOI - 10.1111/ajr.12004
Subject(s) - feeling , session (web analytics) , psychological intervention , anxiety , intervention (counseling) , psychology , medicine , family medicine , developmental psychology , nursing , social psychology , psychiatry , advertising , business
Objective To describe and evaluate a six‐session program provided to parents of children with A utism in rural A ustralia. The program was designed to improve parent's knowledge and understanding of A utism, improve their confidence in managing their child and decrease parental anxiety. Design A self‐constructed questionnaire administered pre‐ and post‐intervention. Setting An early intervention centre in a large town in rural Victoria. Participants Ninety‐eight parents (or family members) of young children primarily aged 2–6 years of age, diagnosed with A utism. Interventions A ‘multi‐stranded content’ program was offered over six evenings. Ten programs were conducted over six years. Results The pre‐ versus post‐session analysis using a paired t ‐test on matched person‐to‐person parental responses ( n = 92) showed significant increases in parental understanding of A utism and understanding of their own child ( P < 0.001), and in understanding the communication, sensory, social, learning and behavioural features of A utism ( P < 0.001). Significant increases in parental confidence and a significant reduction in parental anxiety were also shown ( P < 0.001). Qualitative data indicated that parents valued learning about the general nature of A utism and sensory processing, and reported feeling less alone. Conclusions The six‐week program was successful in terms of its aims. Parent feedback indicated that ongoing parent education sessions at regular intervals would enhance the impact of the program.