Journal on Developmental Disabilities
Le journal sur les handicaps du développement

Sources of Information and Support Used by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Virginia H. Mackintosh, Barbara J. Myers and Robin P. Goin-Kochel

Abstract

Parents (n=498) of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) reported via web-based questionnaires what sources they use for information (M=6.9; range 0 - 15) and support (M=5.9, range 0 - 16). The most frequent source of both information and support was other parents of children with ASD. Lower-income parents used fewer information sources and reported fewer supports than middle or upper income parents. In particular, lower-income parents were less likely to attend group gatherings around autism issues.

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