ERIC Number: EJ1173371
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Apr
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
Challenges of Females with Autism: A Parental Perspective
Mademtzi, Marilena; Singh, Pavita; Shic, Fred; Koenig, Kathy
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v48 n4 p1301-1310 Apr 2018
Most studies investigating the experiences and needs of individuals with ASD have largely focused on males. Hence, this study investigates parents' perspectives on the challenges that their daughters with ASD face. In total, 40 parents of 40 females with autism (age range = 4-29 years; mean = 15.9) participated in the study. Five separate, 2-h long focus groups were conducted, with 7-10 participants in each group. Field notes were analyzed using thematic analysis. Some of the issues parents discussed were similar to those experienced by males with ASD, such as challenges in social interactions. However, other issues discussed were of particular relevance to girls with ASD, including difficulties socializing with other girls, sex-specific puberty issues, barriers in accessing intervention and sexual vulnerability.
Descriptors: Females, Barriers, Autism, Parent Attitudes, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Gender Differences, Sexual Abuse, Intervention, Puberty, Socialization, Interpersonal Competence, Focus Groups
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A