Service evaluation of an autism diagnostic clinic for children.
OBJECTIVE
To examine parents' personal experiences of a diagnostic clinic for children suspected of having autistic spectrum disorder, and to evaluate parental satisfaction with the multidisciplinary assessment team at the clinic.


METHODS
A structured interview schedule was designed to obtain information from parents. The questionnaire consisted of set questions divided into four sections using closed and open-ended questions. Interviews were conducted in the parents' homes over a period of one hour.


RESULTS
All families whose child had been diagnosed by the clinic were contacted and invited to take part in the study. Of a total of 24 families, parents from 11 families were interviewed. Responses indicated that although many parents were dissatisfied with the clinic, they would continue to attend appointments and recommend the clinic to others requiring this service.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this small-scale study highlight the need for improved services for parents and families of children with autistic spectrum disorder attending the clinic. Better collaboration between members of the multidisciplinary team and parents is required to address the needs of this group of people.
Kerrell
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Autism Diagnostic Clinic, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust, Gwent.
D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities / Q000592:standards*; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007587:Job Description; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000592:standards; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D017749:Total Quality Management / Q000458:organization & administration