The Psychological Impact of School Transition on Families of Autistic Children
Author Information
Author(s): L. Yates, S. Keville, A. Ludlow
Primary Institution: Department of Psychology, Sport and Geography, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
Hypothesis
What is the psychological impact of the transition to secondary school on families of autistic children?
Conclusion
The study found that the transition to secondary school has a detrimental psychological impact on mothers and their families, highlighting the need for better support.
Supporting Evidence
- Mothers reported a lack of available support during the transition process.
- The transition was associated with increased anxiety and behavioral issues in children.
- Many mothers felt they had to advocate for their child's needs actively.
- The transition negatively impacted family dynamics and relationships.
- Support groups for parents were identified as beneficial for reducing feelings of isolation.
Takeaway
When autistic kids move to a new school, it can be really hard for their families, especially their moms, who often feel stressed and alone.
Methodology
The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis to analyze semi-structured interviews with eight mothers of autistic children.
Potential Biases
The sample may be biased as it consisted only of mothers who were motivated to share their experiences.
Limitations
The study only included mothers, which may not represent the experiences of other family members.
Participant Demographics
Participants were eight mothers aged 37 to 57, with children aged 11 to 12 diagnosed with autism.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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