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Updated: Dec 7, 2025
A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Improving peri-operative psychosocial interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder undergoing ENT
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Galway, and Academic Department of Otorhinolaryngology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
Insights
Parents are experts on their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Partnering with caregivers improves communication and environmental modifications for children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Medicine
- Special Education
Background:
- Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience communication and sensory challenges.
- Chronic ear, nose, and throat (ENT) issues are prevalent in children with ASD.
- Understanding these challenges is crucial for improving support services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the unique communication and sensory needs of children with ASD.
- To enhance the partnership between healthcare providers and parents of children with ASD.
- To inform the development of improved services and interventions for this population.
Main Methods:
- Utilized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
- Engaged parents and caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
- Gathered insights from 9 caregivers and 25 staff members.
Main Results:
- Parents universally acknowledged their vital role in understanding their child's specific needs and sensitivities.
- A collaborative approach involving parents and staff was emphasized for effective environmental modifications.
- Caregiver input directly informed strategies to meet individual children's unique requirements.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing parents as experts is fundamental to effective care for children with ASD.
- Clear communication and structured, low-arousal environments minimize uncertainty for children with ASD.
- A social story was developed based on parent and staff feedback to support children with ASD.
Objectives:
Children with autism spectrum disorder face a broad range of communication and sensory challenges. Many of these children also have chronic ENT issues. This study aims to better understand these challenges and improve our services for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Methods:
Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.
Results:
Thirty-four individuals participated, comprising 9 caregivers and 25 staff members. All parents recognised their critical roles in understanding their children's special needs and sensitivities. Parents and staff stressed the importance of a partnership role that inquired about unique needs, leading to environmental modifications for individual children.
Conclusion:
The importance of listening to and involving caregivers is a fundamental tenet; parents must be recognised as the experts. Uncertainty must be kept to a minimum, with clear communication in a structured, low-arousal environment for these children. We have listened to parents and staff, and developed a social story.
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