Grandparents and their grandchildren with autism spectrum disorder: building bridges through technology

posterAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impaired social interactions, deficits in verbal and nonverbal communication, and repetitive behaviors or unusual or severely limited interests (American Psychiatric Association 2008). A child's autism diagnosis affects every member of the family. The resources that a grandparent can bring to the family of a child with ASD include emotional support to help the entire family cope successfully with the stresses of family, social and societal pressures, and instrumental support, providing needed hands-on assistance. The grandparent-grandchild relationship is an important one, described by Kornhaber (2004) as being second only in importance to the parent-child relationship. Interacting with grandchildren with ASD through technology may enhance communication, broaden social interaction and build closer intergenerational bonds

Intergenerational Involvement in the Lives of Grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Motivations and Barriers

Current statistics report the alarming increase in the prevalence o f children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In accordance, the number of grandparents with a grandchild with ASD is increasing. ASD is a lifelong, incurable developmental disability and families of children with ASD experience unique challenges and stress. Grandparents have the potential to provide support and assistance benefitting the entire family unit. Research has explored the factors associated with and influencing a grandparent's engagement with their grandchildren. However having a grandchild with ASD may complicate, promote or even deter a grandparent's interactions. This research sought to investigate these paradigms using a qualitative research method; 14 grandparents of grandchildren with ASD were individually interviewed, as well as four of these children's mothers. The interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Four key features were identified as having an effect on the grandparents' engagement with their grandchildren with ASD: communication, understanding of the disability, and perceptions of inclusion and appreciation. Grandparent's with positive, constructive intergenerational communication, enhanced understanding of their grandchild's condition and who felt included in family activities, with their participation appreciated were more actively engaged with their grandchildren with ASD. This paper addresses the features that may encourage or discourage a grandparent's involvement with their grandchildren with ASD

Grandparents of Grandchildren with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Strengthening Relationships through Technology Activities

This study of grandparent-grandchild relationships was embedded in the context of technology workshops offered for young children on the autism spectrum. The purpose of this research was to examine the perspectives of six involved grandparents regarding their social interactions with their grandchildren in the context of this shared technology experience. Content analysis of transcribed focus group sessions with the grandparents indicated two key themes: expectations were reframed and communication bridges were built through shared interests. Grandparents perceived that their grandchildren learned technological skills, and increased their social interactions with peers, family members (parents, siblings), and grandparents themselves. The positive experience the grandparents perceived their grandchildren to have in the program gave them hope for future educational and employment opportunities for their grandchildren. The grandparents also indicated that the shared interests in the computer program facilitated communication opportunities with their grandchildren, with other grandparents of grandchildren with ASD, and with their adult sons and daughters. </jats:p