Work

The autism diagnostic experiences of French parents

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: This survey focused on French parents' views of the diagnostic process relating to their child with autism. Data were collected on the age at diagnosis, the time taken to obtain a diagnosis and the difficulties encountered. Questionnaires filled in by the parents (n = 248) and in-depth interviews (n = 43) were analyzed in order to obtain quantitative and qualitative results. The ages of the children ranged from 4 to 45. This approach enabled us to compare the practices of professionals now and in the past. The mean age of diagnosis was 10 ± 8 years from 1960 to 1990, 5 ± 3 years from 1990 to 2005 (3 ± 1 from 2003 to 2005). The results showed that the mean delays between first consultation and diagnosis were reduced. Regarding the way the diagnosis was announced, 63% of the parents of children with autism and 93% of the parents of adults with autism were dissatisfied. We discuss the parents' reactions and the changes in the diagnostic process.

Source: Autism

DOI: 10.1177/1362361309354756

Authors: Brigitte Chamak, Béatrice Bonniau, Lila Oudaya, Alain Ehrenberg

Institutions: Inserm, Université Paris Descartes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Language: English

Topic: Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience

Field: Neuroscience

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Fondation de France, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris Descartes