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Updated: Jun 8, 2025
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Evaluating the impact of needs assessment models on autistic children's participation in the habilitation process:
Lars-Olov Lundqvist1, Linda Sjödin2,3, Evelina Karvonen4,5
1Örebro University, Orebro, Sweden lars-olov.lundqvist@oru.se.
Insights
This study compares survey-based and meeting-based needs assessments for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Findings will inform better healthcare participation for children with ASD.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Healthcare
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence is increasing, presenting healthcare challenges.
- Children's involvement is vital in healthcare, yet ASD's communication differences complicate tailored services.
- This study addresses the need for effective needs assessment models for children with ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of two distinct needs assessment models on children with ASD's participation.
- To compare survey-based versus meeting-based approaches in healthcare needs assessments.
- To enhance healthcare service delivery for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study comparing survey-based and meeting-based needs assessments.
- Recruitment of 120 children (aged 7-17) with ASD (without intellectual disability).
- Data collection via questionnaires, interviews, and document analysis; primary outcome is perceived participation.
Main Results:
- The study is ongoing; results are pending.
- The primary outcome will measure children's perception of their involvement in the needs assessment.
- Secondary outcomes include quality of life, mental health, parental knowledge, and collaboration quality.
Conclusions:
- Findings will elucidate optimal needs assessment strategies for children with ASD.
- This research aims to improve healthcare engagement and outcomes for autistic children.
- Results will guide the development of more inclusive and effective pediatric healthcare practices.
Introduction:
The rising prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) among children poses significant challenges for healthcare services. Research has underscored the crucial role of children's involvement in their healthcare. However, due to the intricate nature of ASD, marked by communication and social interaction differences, healthcare providers face challenges in tailoring their services to accommodate these children. This project aims to explore the impact of two distinct needs assessment models on children's participation in the needs assessment process.
Methods And Analysis:
We will conduct a prospective observational study comparing responses from children subjected to two different needs assessment procedures: survey-based and meeting-based. Supplementary data will be collected from the children's parents/guardians and healthcare professionals. Data collection methods will include questionnaires, interviews and document analysis of individual habilitation plans. We aim to recruit 120 children aged 7-17 diagnosed with ASD but without intellectual disability, with 60 undergoing the survey-based needs assessment and 60 undergoing the meeting-based assessment. The primary outcome measure will be the perception of participation in the needs assessment procedure. Secondary outcomes will include the children's quality of life and mental health; the parents' knowledge of their child's strengths, abilities and special needs; and the parents' perception of the quality of collaboration with the healthcare team.
Ethics And Dissemination:
The study received ethics approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 4 March 2024 (reference number 2024-00227-01). All children and their caregivers will receive both verbal and written information about the study before being asked to provide written informed consent to participate. The findings will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals and presentation at conferences. Additionally, a popular science report summarising the data and its interpretation will be published.
Trial Registration Number:
NCT06381856.
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