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Characterizing Accommodations by Parents of Young Children with Autism: A Mixed Methods Analysis

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Abstract

Symptoms of autism influence families’ participation in daily activities, but few studies have broadly explored the types of accommodations caregivers make to their family’s routines after their child is diagnosed with autism. The current study used a mixed-methods approach to characterize the rate and types of accommodations made by 171 families and the child and family characteristics that predicted accommodations. Most families (91%) endorsed making accommodations in the past year. Lower income, older child age, marginalized racial/ethnic identity, and higher levels of child problem behavior predicted accommodations in a greater number of domains. Thematic analysis illuminated the types of accommodations caregivers made and their motivation for making these lifestyle adjustments. Findings have important implications for parent-mediated interventions and policy.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Boulevard, 02125, Boston, MA, USA

    Yael G. Dai & Alice S. Carter

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  1. Yael G. Dai
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Correspondence to Yael G. Dai.

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Dr. Carter is the co-creator of the Infant -Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (ITSEA) and the Brief Infant -Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA). She receives royalties on the sale of the ITSEA and BITSEA. Dr. Dai does not have any conflict of interest.

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Dai, Y.G., Carter, A.S. Characterizing Accommodations by Parents of Young Children with Autism: A Mixed Methods Analysis. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 3380–3393 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05652-6

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