Predicting Parent Reactions at Diagnostic Disclosure Sessions for Autism

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Pediatric Healthcare

Background:

• Parental reactions to a child's autism diagnosis are critical yet poorly understood.
• Limited research exists on predicting and managing parental emotional responses during diagnosis disclosure.
• Effective provider communication strategies are needed to support families post-diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify factors influencing parental emotional reactions during autism diagnosis disclosure.
• To explore how providers can adapt feedback to better support parents.
• To understand the relationship between parental anxiety, prior knowledge, and session outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative interviews with 6 healthcare providers.
• Focus group discussions with 10 parents of recently diagnosed children.
• Mixed-methods survey administered to 189 parents of recently diagnosed children.

Main Results:

• Parental prior knowledge of autism and pre-diagnosis anxiety significantly predicted emotional responses and readiness for subsequent steps.
• Anxious families, while needing information most, often felt unprepared and overwhelmed after the disclosure session.
• Provider communication styles (positivity, warmth, respect, clarity, confidence) were linked to more positive parental emotional reactions.

Conclusions:

• Parental anxiety and existing knowledge are key predictors of reactions to autism diagnoses.
• Healthcare providers can foster better parental adjustment by enhancing their communication skills and empathetic approach.
• Tailoring diagnostic disclosure to parental emotional states and knowledge levels is crucial for improved family support and outcomes.