CE: Autism Spectrum Disorder: The Nurse's Role

Quality of life of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An integrative literature review

PURPOSE

This paper presents an integrated literature review of the quality of life (QOL) in parents of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The rate of ASD is increasing. Parents of children with ASD have higher levels of stress and burden, which may lead to lower QOL.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A comprehensive, electronic search was performed to retrieve 15 relevant articles, including 5565 participants. An integrative review was performed to appraise and synthesize findings.

RESULTS

QOL was found to be lower in parents of children with ASD in physical, psychological, and social health and in spirituality, as compared with adults who were not parents of children with ASD. The strongest risk factor for parental QOL was the severity of the diagnosis of ASD. Protective factors for parental QOL were parent education level and levels of severity of ASD in the child.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Nurses can support families impacted by ASD, particularly severe ASD, through tailored resources to support early diagnosis and intervention, through the support of policies affecting low-income families, and through increased awareness of severe ASD and its' impact on the child and the family.

Experiences of fathers regarding the diagnosis of their child with autism spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the international research

AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review was to identify the views and experiences of fathers regarding their child's Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.

BACKGROUND

The diagnosis of a child's Autism Spectrum Disorder may be a stressful experience, creating uncertainty for parents. There has been a limited research focus on the views and experiences of fathers in relation to the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder of their child.

DESIGN

A systematic literature review of quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research studies.

DATA SOURCES

Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE and PsycINFO.

METHODS

From August to October 2020, two authors independently performed a systematic data extraction and appraised the studies using a recognised instrument. The PRISMA checklist was used in the review.

RESULTS

Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Four themes emerged: (a) gradual recognition of developmental delay, (b) an emotional time, (c) coping and adaptation and (d) ongoing adjustments to the fathering role.

CONCLUSIONS

Nurses and other professionals need to work collaboratively with fathers to improve their experiences and provide supports at the time of Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis.