A Parent’s Perspective is Worth a Thousand Words: Parents of Children with ASD and Their Perspectives on a Community-Based Parent Education Program

Authors

  • Kelly Etain Alves Brock University
  • Kimberly Maich Memorial University

Abstract

In 2012, several community-based agencies in the Greater Toronto Region of Ontario overseeing behaviour intervention services for young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) began delivering curricula to parents. Session content focused on ASD characteristics, Applied Behaviour Analysis, increasing awareness of available community resources, and active engagement in their child’s learning. Using a mixed methods approach, this research project explored parent perspectives on their involvement in these education sessions. Through constant comparison analysis four major and three minor themes emerged. While parent participants confirmed this education program included relevant content and a favourable delivery format, noteworthy gaps were identified. Implications for practice would be applicable to educators interested in providing quality group-based education to parents of young children with ASD. 

Author Biographies

Kelly Etain Alves, Brock University

I am a current Professor of Behavioural Science at Seneca College and recent M.Ed graduate from Brock University

Kimberly Maich, Memorial University

 Dr. Kimberly Maich, PhD, OCT, BCBA-D
Associate Professor

Faculty of Education

Memorial University

Research Associate, Canadian Research Centre on Inclusive Education

Downloads

Published

2019-05-31

Issue

Section

Research Study/Recherche