The participation profiles and the barriers and facilitators that impact the participation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) living in regional and remote Western Australia are critical areas of focus for practitioners. This blog will discuss key findings from a study by Mattinson et al. (2018) and how these can be implemented to improve outcomes for children with ASD in non-metropolitan areas.
Understanding Participation Profiles
The study found that children with ASD in remote areas have reduced participation in community activities, with a significant amount of time spent on computer and video games at home. In school settings, participation in non-classroom and extracurricular activities was notably low. Parents expressed a desire for their children to spend more time socializing, engaging in extracurricular activities, and completing chores.
Barriers to Participation
Parents identified several barriers to their children's participation:
- Community Setting: Social demands, lack of programs and services, and peer relationships were significant barriers.
- Home Setting: Cognitive demands of activities and lack of sufficient time and money were notable barriers.
- School Setting: Attitudes of others, physical and cognitive demands, and sensory qualities were identified as barriers.
Facilitators to Participation
Several facilitators were also identified:
- Community Setting: Personal transport, sufficient money, and time were seen as supports.
- Home Setting: Physical layout of the home, availability of information, and sufficient time and money supported participation.
- School Setting: Personal transport, sufficient time, and money were supportive factors.
Implementing Findings to Improve Outcomes
Practitioners can implement the following strategies to enhance participation for children with ASD in remote areas:
- Increase Access to Services: Advocate for more community programs and services tailored to children with ASD.
- Enhance Peer Relationships: Facilitate social skills training and peer interaction opportunities.
- Address Cognitive Demands: Modify activities to match the cognitive abilities of children with ASD.
- Provide Support for Families: Offer resources and training to help families support their children's participation.
By addressing these barriers and leveraging facilitators, practitioners can significantly improve the participation profiles of children with ASD in remote areas, leading to better health, development, and quality of life outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Participation profiles and the barriers and facilitators that impact on participation of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders living in regional and remote Western Australia.
