Home Safety for Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Local Authority Occupational Therapy Intervention

Abstract

Introduction: Health and social care agencies are encouraged to provide child-centred services that respond to needs that change over time. There is evidence that occupational therapists are concerned about how to respond to issues of harmful behaviour in the home environment whilst promoting child development. This study explored occupational therapists' experiences regarding harmful behaviour and the safety of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Method: Seven community occupational therapists, employed by a local authority and working in social care, participated in two focus groups. Findings: An inductive thematic analysis identified five broad themes. These were: ‘assessment is complex’, ‘child development and the home environment’, ‘importance of family-centred services’, ‘the need for additional services’, and ‘management of the disabled facilities grant’. Conclusion: Local authority occupational therapists prioritize supporting families to keep children safe. It is necessary to adapt the home to reduce hazards and for alternative interventions to be made available to address behavioural and sensory needs. Services such as sensory integration are lacking, and where they are available access is difficult. It is common for disabled facilities grants to fund adaptations; however, management of grants could be improved to meet the needs of these children and their families.

To be understood: Transitioning to adult life for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder

“…The findings from these focus groups highlight the potential of modifying the environment as an approach in working with young people with ASD [ 69 , 70 ]. Such environmental adaptations could augment other interventions for young people with ASD and ultimately serve to support their participation in major life areas.…”

The effects of adapting their home on the meaning of home for families with a disabled child

“…However, Boyle et al 's (2014) study identified that, whilst arrangements for disabled facilities grants worked fairly well for children with physical disabilities, the process worked less well for children with autism. Boyle et al (2014) also identified occupational therapists' view that grants officers could struggle to understand the nature of the needs of autistic children or accept that there was a problem. Boyle et al (2014) thus concluded that occupational therapists participating in the study felt that grants officers found it difficult to accept autistic children have problems which could lead to a need for an adaptation.…”

“…Boyle et al (2014) also identified occupational therapists' view that grants officers could struggle to understand the nature of the needs of autistic children or accept that there was a problem. Boyle et al (2014) thus concluded that occupational therapists participating in the study felt that grants officers found it difficult to accept autistic children have problems which could lead to a need for an adaptation. a specific concern highlighted by families is the lack of provision for change (aplin, de Jonge, and Gustafsson 2013;Heywood 2004;Roy et al 2008), which is particularly pertinent in relation to growing children and the length of time adaptations often take to be put in place.…”

Parental views regarding seating and participation for young children with cerebral palsy

“…Interviews lasted approximately 50 minutes, were audio-recorded, and questions were guided by relevant literature making use of introductory, key and closing questions (Boyle et al, 2014;Green & Thorogood, 2013;Kvale & Brinkman, 2014). These focused on background information, then progressed to direct, and specific questions.…”

“…An interview schedule (appendix 1) influenced by literature was devised to guide questioning over the broad area of seating and participation (Boyle et al, 2014;King & Horrocks, 2010).…”