This project aims to explore the impact of a survey-based and a meeting-based needs assessment models on 7 to 17 year old autistic children's participation in the needs assessment process at the initial reception when enrolled at a Child and Youth Habilitation Centre.
The increasing number of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges for healthcare providers. Research emphasizes the importance of involving children in their healthcare decisions. However, due to the complex nature of ASD, characterized by differences in communication and social interaction, healthcare professionals struggle to adapt their services for these children. To address this issue, the present study compares two assessment methods for children with ASD: one based on surveys and another based on meetings with healthcare professionals. In addition, supplementary information from the children's parents or guardians and healthcare providers will be gathered . Data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews, and analysis of individual habilitation plans. The goal is to recruit 120 children aged 7-17 diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disabilities, with half undergoing the survey-based assessment and the other half undergoing the meeting-based assessment.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
120
University Health Care Research Center
Örebro, Örebro County, Sweden
The child's involvement
Consist of seven to nine questions relating to the child's involvement and engagement during a needs assessment meeting. The form is available in three versions. One for each child/youth, parent/guardian and staff. Each version comes in two variants. A variant for a regular meeting and a variant for the closing meeting. The questions are rated on 4-point Likert scales from "Not at all" to "Very much".
Time frame: After each of four needs assessment meetings that take place over a 2-month period, with the first meeting scheduled to take place one month after inclusion.
The Mental Health Continuum - Short Form
Consists of 14 questions which is assessed on a 6-point Likert scale and measures mental health in three domains (emotional, psychological and social well-being). The form appears in three versions. One where the child/youth assesses his/hers own health, one where the parent/guardian assesses his/hers own health and one where the parent/guardian assesses the child's/youth's health (i.e., proxy assessment).
Time frame: At inclusion in the study and after completed needs assessment approximately 3 months after inclusion
The "Your child's strengths, abilities and special needs"-questionnaire.
Consists of four or five questions from the "Family outcome survey" and adapted to the study's target group. The questions are answered by the parent/guardian and relate to their understanding of the child's strengths, abilities and special needs. The questions are answered on a 5-point scale Likert scales from "Nothing/Not at all" to "All/Always". The form is available in two variants. One for measurement before completed needs assessment (four questions) and one for measurement after completed needs assessment (five questions).
Time frame: At inclusion in the study and after completed needs assessment approximately 3 months after inclusion
The collaboration with the neuropsychiatric team questionnaire
Consists of five questions relating to the family's contact with the neuropsychiatric team team at the Child and Youth Habilitation. The questions are answered with five answer options.
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Time frame: After completed needs assessment approximately 3 months after inclusion
Cantril ladder
Measures quality of life and is assessed on a picture of a ladder numbered from zero to ten.
Time frame: At inclusion in the study and after completed needs assessment approximately 3 months after inclusion