1. Objectifs

Intentions :
«The objective of this study is to explore the perspectives of autistic adolescents and adults, and of their parents, on the main environmental factors influencing the independence of autistic people within their home environment.» (p. 2)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
«Dyads composed of one autistic participant and one parental unit were recruited. For autistic participants, inclusion criteria were being at least 14years old, living in the Quebec City area (Canada) and having a diagnosis of ASD [autism spectrum disorder] or an equivalent diagnosis from past classifications (e.g., Asperger’s disorder). Parental units were composed of one or two parents involved in developing the autistic participant’s independence at home.» (p. 3) «Ten dyads participated, for a total of 23 persons interviewed. Of the 10 autistic participants, there were five males and five females.» (p. 4)

Instruments :
Guide d’entretien semi-directif

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse de contenu

3. Résumé

The results show that «[s]ome of the factors identified in this study are related to the person’s social environment, such as having support from their parents, their extended social network and professionals. Other factors are related to the characteristics of their physical environment: it is predictable, its sensory characteristics are tailored to the person’s needs, and it provides visual reminders and safe, simple tools.» (p. 9) Also, «[i]nterviewing dyads provided a more complete picture of the situations experienced in each family, as autistic participants sometimes did not mention the same things as their parents. For example, they sometimes provided a different explanation of why they did not perform a life habit. They also perceived some factors differently than their parents. […] Thus, the results of this study suggest that it is important to involve both autistic people and their parents during the evaluation and implementation of the factors identified in order to optimize their benefits. This can help professionals to better understand the needs of the family and orient their interventions.» (p. 9)