Matching Items (6)
Description
This thesis is a qualitative research study that focuses on siblings of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Even though it is expected that having a child with ASD in the family will influence the whole family including siblings of the child with ASD, the sibling population is rarely included in research related to children with ASD, and there is only limited services available for them. This exploratory study (n=6) is aimed at better understanding the siblings' lives in their family settings in order to identify the siblings' unmet needs and determine how they have been influenced by the child with ASD. This study is also aimed at identifying the most appropriate support for the siblings to help them cope better. The study followed the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation and a narrative theory approach. An in-depth interview with the parents was conducted for the study, so the findings reflect the parents' perception of the siblings. All the themes emerged into two categories: life in the family setting and supports. The findings indicate that the families are striving for balance between the siblings and the children with ASD, but still tend to focus more on the children with ASD. Also, the families tend to have autonomous personal support systems. The parents tend to perceive that these personal support systems are good enough for the siblings; therefore, the parents do not feel that formal support for the siblings was necessary. As a result of the findings, recommendations are made for the organizations that work with individuals with ASD to provide more appropriate services for the families of children with ASD, including siblings. Also, recommendations are made for future studies to clarify more factors related to the siblings due to the limitation of this study; the siblings' lives were reflected vicariously via the parents.
ContributorsJeong, Seong Hae (Author) / Marsiglia, Flavio F (Thesis advisor) / Ayers, Stephanie (Committee member) / Adams, James (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2013
Description
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) holds potential for significantly impacting the primary caregiver and family, as well as the child with ASD. In particular, sleep problems occur frequently among children with ASD, and their poor sleep may negatively affect that of their caregivers. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and Family Quality of Life (FQoL) are salient indices of caregiver and family well-being. This pilot study explored associations between family caregiver sleep problems and caregiver sense of coherence (SOC) or coping on HRQoL and FQoL. Additionally, this study examined relationships between child sleep and behavior problems on caregiver sleep and well-being.
Sixty-two family caregivers of children with ASD (M =7.61, range: 6-11 years old) participated in this survey study. Participants provided demographic information and completed measures of HRQoL, FQoL, caregiver sleep, SOC, parental stress, child sleep, and child behavior.
Caregivers with longer sleep duration reported better mental health and better FQol. Caregivers who reported insomnia symptoms, non-restorative sleep, and insufficient sleep were more likely to report poorer mental health than caregivers who did not report these sleep disorder symptoms. A stronger caregiver SOC was associated with lower caregiver stress, better mental health, and better FQoL. Significant relationships were found between shorter caregiver sleep duration or sleep disorder symptoms (i.e., difficulty staying asleep, early morning awakening, insufficient sleep) and greater child sleep problems. Moreover, short sleep duration or insufficient sleep among caregivers was significantly associated with greater parenting stress. Notably, biological parents with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) had children with more restless sleep and higher rates of some behavior problems.
There are a number of potential connections between sleep problems of children with ASD and sleep problems of their caregivers that are likely rooted in genetic, environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors. Interventions for sleep problems must address the context of the family and consider that sleep problems may be common to the caregiver and the child. The results of this study support findings from many prior studies and point to salient variables for future research and interventions to promote healthy caregiver sleep.
Sixty-two family caregivers of children with ASD (M =7.61, range: 6-11 years old) participated in this survey study. Participants provided demographic information and completed measures of HRQoL, FQoL, caregiver sleep, SOC, parental stress, child sleep, and child behavior.
Caregivers with longer sleep duration reported better mental health and better FQol. Caregivers who reported insomnia symptoms, non-restorative sleep, and insufficient sleep were more likely to report poorer mental health than caregivers who did not report these sleep disorder symptoms. A stronger caregiver SOC was associated with lower caregiver stress, better mental health, and better FQoL. Significant relationships were found between shorter caregiver sleep duration or sleep disorder symptoms (i.e., difficulty staying asleep, early morning awakening, insufficient sleep) and greater child sleep problems. Moreover, short sleep duration or insufficient sleep among caregivers was significantly associated with greater parenting stress. Notably, biological parents with Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) had children with more restless sleep and higher rates of some behavior problems.
There are a number of potential connections between sleep problems of children with ASD and sleep problems of their caregivers that are likely rooted in genetic, environmental, socio-economic, and behavioral factors. Interventions for sleep problems must address the context of the family and consider that sleep problems may be common to the caregiver and the child. The results of this study support findings from many prior studies and point to salient variables for future research and interventions to promote healthy caregiver sleep.
ContributorsRussell, Maureen (Author) / Baldwin, Carol (Thesis advisor) / Quan, Stuart F (Committee member) / McClain, Darya (Committee member) / Smith, Christopher (Committee member) / Matthews, Nicole (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2014
Description
Over the past two decades, substantial research has documented the increase of students with disabilities enrolling in post-secondary education. The purpose of the study was to examine factors identified as significant in preparing individuals who fall on the autism spectrum for post-secondary experiences. The study was exploratory in nature and designed to identify perceived critical program elements needed to design successful post-secondary transition programs for students with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study used archival research and grounded theory to look at expectations of parents with young adults with an ASD and young adults with an ASD on post-secondary transition and to discern whether expectations impact the successful post transition of young adults. More than likely, due to an overall increase in the prevalence of ASDs, many more students with an ASD will be attending a post-secondary educational setting in the near future. Understanding expectations and particular challenges faced by students with an ASD will be necessary for colleges to meet the unique needs of this population.
ContributorsFox, Catherine (Author) / McCoy, Kathleen (Thesis advisor) / Mathur, Sarup (Committee member) / Olsen, Morgan (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
The constructs of compliance and temperament play an important role in children's school liking and engagement, and these constructs may differ between typically-developing children and children with autism because of the deficits associated with autism. The present study examined group differences among temperament, parent and child behaviors in a compliance context, and school liking and how these processes related to each other. This was the first study to examine school liking in children with high functioning autism and to explore the associations among school liking, temperament, and compliance in this population. Participants included children with high functioning autism (n = 20) and typically-developing children (n = 20) matched on language and mental age, and their parents. Compliance to a parent was observed in a laboratory setting, and temperament and school liking data were collected using parent-report measures. The findings revealed that children with autism had significantly lower Effortful Control (EC) and school liking scores than typically-developing children. However, there were no group differences in compliance, and no significant relation was found between temperament and compliance. Additionally, school liking scores were related to compliance and EC. These findings are discussed with respect to implications for potential future research and use of interventions for children with high functioning autism.
ContributorsInglese, Crystal (Author) / Jahromi, Laudan B (Thesis advisor) / Spinrad, Tracy (Committee member) / Sullivan, Amanda (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
Academic transitions are a necessary and important part of an ASD student's life. Parental involvement and perspective is a vital part of each transition planning process. The primary goal of this research is to identify trends in parent perspectives regarding ASD academic transitions through meta-synthesis of current research. The research also seeks to identify shifts in parent perceptions of the importance of specific transitional program elements during different academic transitional periods. Results indicate a clear trend within each academic transition category as well as trends throughout the transition periods. The main trend in parental perspective throughout the transitions is the de-structuration of the transition planning process and increased personalization with the advancement of each academic transition. Possible uses of research results to ease the transition planning process for parents are summarized and discussed.
ContributorsLee, Cindy (Author) / McCoy, Kathleen (Thesis advisor) / Mathur, Sarup (Committee member) / Zucker, Stanley (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
Literature reviews, books, and research studies are reviewed in this thesis with the purpose of examining the postsecondary transition of young adults on the autism spectrum (AS). Previous research on the specific social, legislative, victimization, and self-determination issues that young adults on the AS face during their postsecondary transition process is extensively examined as well as research that addresses the viewpoints of postsecondary programs from the perspectives of caregivers and young adults. Research studies and literature reviews that address current postsecondary programs for those on the AS and current adult outcomes for those on the AS are also included in the literature review section. The research aspect of the current thesis involved a postsecondary education transition team at Arizona State University who compared the viewpoints of young adults and parents of young adults on the AS on their experience with the postsecondary transition process and what they believe should be fundamental aspects of the postsecondary transition process. Two forms of a survey were administered (one for the young adult population and another for the parent population). Survey results found a lot of similarities and differences in terms of how caregivers and young adults felt about postsecondary transition. Although both young adults and caregivers expressed a strong interest in postsecondary programs for students with autism, both groups expressed that the likelihood of the young adult attending such a program would be significantly less. Differing viewpoints between the two populations existed on what a postsecondary program should look like. Although the two groups did agree that such programs should consist of an employment and social activities component, young adults felt that programs should have a more diverse set of criteria. Following completion of a secondary program, caregivers saw young adults attending a postsecondary education institution, while young adults perceived themselves as transferring directly into the workforce. On the contrary, caregivers did demonstrate an even variability in choice for opinions. The thesis concludes with the many implications for this study and suggestions for future research.
ContributorsHanish, Maxwell (Author) / Mccoy, Kathleeen M. (Thesis advisor) / Rader, Martha (Committee member) / Cocchiarella, Martha (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011