An Exploration of Parental Reactions to Autism Diagnosis: The Influences and Evolution of Parents’ Experience

Date of Award

Spring 6-5-2015

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Peter Buirski

Second Advisor

Laura Meyer

Third Advisor

Eric Moody

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Parental experience, Coping

Abstract

Parents have a variety of emotional reactions to a child being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study explores the factors that influence these varying reactions and the process of coping post-diagnosis. A phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to capture parents’ experience of the ASD diagnostic process. Factors that influenced parental reactions included level of initial concern about development, initial conceptualization of ASD, and involvement in the assessment process. Many themes emerged that coincided with parents coping being similar to theories of grief (denial/disbelief, anger, relief etc.). Implications for assessment and treatment of ASD are discussed.

Copyright Date

5-24-2015

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.

Rights Holder

Jamie Brenner

Provenance

Received from Author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

57 pages

File Size

239 KB

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