Parents' perceptions of communication with professionals during the diagnosis of autism

In order to obtain the views of parents concerning their perceptions of the process of getting a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) for their child, 15 focus groups were conducted across a range of locations in England. These groups were split into parents of preschool-, primary- and secondary-aged children who had recently received an ASD diagnosis. At the time of diagnosis, most of the parents wished for a quicker and easier process. In particular, they would prefer the procedure to have a more coherent structure and content. They also requested greater professional training about ASD, in particular, regarding the information that professionals possess, and the interpersonal skills of some professionals. The idea of broad information sheets to be provided to parents at the time of diagnosis would be of value, especially to combat negative information provided from other sources.