ERIC Number: EJ1249697
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Apr
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0162-3257
EISSN: N/A
The Types and Functions of Social Supports Used by Parents Caring for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Shepherd, Daniel; Goedeke, Sonja; Landon, Jason; Meads, Jake
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, v50 n4 p1337-1352 Apr 2020
The challenges faced by parents caring for a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can amplify parenting stress, though the impacts of these challenges can be alleviated by social supports. A sample of 674 parent volunteers completed a survey probing the types of social supports currently being used, what function (i.e., tangible, emotional, financial, informational) they judged them to perform, and how each of the utilised supports reduced parenting stress and was considered helpful. Results indicated that informal social supports and social media were perceived as more helpful than formal supports, which were typically perceived in a neutral manner by parents. Overall, the study indicates that addressing the support needs of parents of a child with ASD remains a priority.
Descriptors: Parents, Child Rearing, Children, Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Social Support Groups, Anxiety, Stress Management, Social Media
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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