How do parents manage irritability, challenging behavior, non-compliance and anxiety in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders? A meta-synthesis

Although there is increasing research interest in the parenting of children with ASD, at present, little is known about everyday strategies used to manage problem behaviour. We conducted a meta-synthesis to explore what strategies parents use to manage irritability, non-compliance, challenging behaviour and anxiety in their children with ASD. Approaches included: (1) accommodating the child; (2) modifying the environment; (3) providing structure, routine and occupation; (4) supervision and monitoring; (5) managing non-compliance with everyday tasks; (6) responding to problem behaviour; (7) managing distress; (8) maintaining safety and (9) analysing and planning. Results suggest complex parenting demands in children with ASD and problem behaviour. Findings will inform the development of a new measure to quantify parenting strategies relevant to ASD

Motherhood: Female Perspectives and Experiences of Being a Parent with ASC

Little is known about the emotional pressures and practical management of daily challenges and, intra and interpersonal demands of raising a child as a parent with a diagnosis of Autistic Spectrum Conditions. The present study utilised a qualitative approach to understand perceptions of females diagnosed on the autistic spectrum of ‘being a parent’. Eight semi-structured interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Benefits and challenges of being a parent were highlighted alongside population-specific skill and characteristics associated with strength and resilience, love, nurture, routine and sensory considerations. Findings identify the need for population-specific specialist parenting support, provide direction for professionals in clinical settings and expand the paucity of research in this area

Stress and Coping Activity

Stress management and coping techniques are not only relevant in many psychology courses but also personally relevant for undergraduate students. In this article, the authors describe an activity designed to provide students with practice evaluating and challenging negative self-talk. Students responded to scenarios individually, were paired with another student to challenge erroneous and negative thoughts, and then joined with another pair of students to discuss the activity generally. When compared to students who heard a lecture about reframing and negative self-talk, students who participated in the activity were more likely to advise negative thinkers to challenge their thoughts and beliefs. © 2011, SAGE Publications. All rights reserved

Embracing the ethical possibilities of researching about autistic individuals' transition to post-school opportunities in South-West Queensland, Australia

This chapter elaborates the ethical challenges and possibilities arising from a qualitative case study to engage young autistic adults about secondary school transition practices that support a positive post-school quality of life. The challenges arise from the need to work within the parameters of the Ethical Conduct in Human Research (NHMRC, National Statement of ethical conduct in human research, updated 2018), while also addressing the individual research participants' strengths and needs with regards to agency, capacity and voice. A range of strategies designed to optimise strengths and minimise potential risks for participants, while addressing benefit, risk and consent, is presented