Online ISSN: 2325-7466
2006
Triannual
National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
United States

Articles

Perspectives of Parents Who Have a Child Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

  • Lori A. Kalash, Ed.D. (Author) Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota image/svg+xml
    Lori Kalash, Ed.D is an assistant professor for the Department of Teacher Education and Human Performance at Minot State University in Minot, North Dakota. She earned her Master’s Degree in Special Education in 2002 and an Autism Certificate in 2003 from the University of North Dakota. Additionally, she earned her doctoral degree in Teacher Education with a cognate in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) from the University of North Dakota in 2009. Prior to her employment with Minot State University, Dr. Kalash was an adjunct Professor at the University of North Dakota in the Autism Certificate program. Additionally, she served as the Associate Director of Community Services fo r The North Dakota Center for Persons with Disabilities at Minot State University. She has worked for twelve years with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, both in the private and public sectors.
  • Myrna R. Olson, Ed.D. (Author) University of North Dakota image/svg+xml
    Myrna R. Olson, Ed.D., is a Chester Fritz Distinguished Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at the University of North Dakota, where she has taught a wide range of classes in special education and higher education for 38 years. She graduated with a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Montana State University in 1971 and a doctoral degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of North Dakota in 1975. Dr. Olson taught students with visual impairments and multiple disabilities several years prior to her current position and completed post-doctoral work at Peabody Vanderbilt College and San Francisco State University in those areas.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.179
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to understand the experiences and perceptions of parents having a child diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Interviews with 12 parents were audio-recorded and subsequently analyzed to reveal the following themes: (1) Diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder was not confirmed until years and/or several doctor visits after parents identified concerns; (2) Because they were given little guidance by medical professionals, parents took the initiative to educate themselves about their child’s disorder and optional therapies; (3) Lack of daycare options and the cost of interventions were stressors for these families; (4) Parents were torn between their child with an ASD and other family members and friends; (5) Anxiety about the future was prevalent; (6) Parents felt judged by others when with their child in public; and (7) Many parents felt that vaccinations may have played a role in their child’s ASD.
Keywords
Autism, Pervasive Developmental Disorders, Special Education, Parent Attitudes, Disability Identification, Asperger Syndrome
References

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Aspy, R., & Grossman, B. G. (2008). Designing comprehensive interventions for individuals with high-functioning autism and asperger syndrome: The ziggurat model. Shawnee Mission, KS: Autism Asperger Publishing Company.

Bowe, F. G. (2004). Early childhood special education: Birth to age eight (3rd ed.). Florence, KY: Delmar Cengage Learning. Center for Disease Control. Autism Spectrum Disorders, Data and Statistics. Retrieved September 20, 20011 from http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/data.html

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Renty, J., & Roeyers, H. (2005). Satisfaction with formal support and education for children with autism spectrum disorder: The voices of the parents. Child: Care, Health & Development, 32(3), 371-385. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2214.2006.00584.x

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Taylor, R. L., Smiley, L. R., & Richards, S. B. (2009). Exceptional students: Preparing teachers for the 21st century. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

There are 12 references in total.
How to Cite
Kalash, L. A., & Olson, M. R. (2012). Perspectives of Parents Who Have a Child Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Journal of the American Academy of Special Education Professionals, 7(2), 93-121. https://doi.org/10.64546/jaasep.179

Spring/Summer 2012

Article Information

  • Article Type Articles
  • Submitted May 14, 2012
  • Published June 15, 2012
  • Issue Spring/Summer 2012
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