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Updated: Nov 17, 2025

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
Published on: July 31, 2017
Experiences of Parents of Specialist Peer Mentored Autistic University Students
C Thompson1,2, B Milbourn1,2, J L Taylor3,4
1Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism (Autism CRC), Queensland, Australia.
Abstract:
ABSTRCTBackground: Parents continue to support to autistic university students, and consequently, experience considerable stress.Aim: To explore the experiences of parents of specialist peer mentored university students and to examine these using the ICF as a theoretical framework.Method: Thirteen semi-structured interviews were completed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Directive content analysis linked the data to the ICF core set for autism spectrum disorders (ASD).Results: Five interrelated themes emerged: The mentoring relationship is a facilitator, Developing skills for university, Mentoring changes lives, Mentoring is not a substitute for other supports, and University is an emotional rollercoaster. Specialist peer mentoring was linked to Activity and Participation (44%) and Environmental factors (32%) of the ICF core set for ASD.Conclusion: These results add to the specialist peer mentoring evidence-base, and indicate perceived benefits for autistic university students and their parents. An unintended consequence was that parents broadened their participation in activities.
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