Unmet needs of families of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.
BACKGROUND
To aid decision making regarding the allocation of limited resources, information is needed on the perceived unmet needs of parents of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.


METHODS
A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 101 Canadian families of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.


RESULTS
Commonly reported unmet needs were for social activities for the child (78.2%), information about services (77.2%) and continuous service provision (74.3%).


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides insight into needs which have not been met by the service system. Information about the unmet needs of children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families may help policy makers and service providers to develop resources and services that are responsive to their client group.
Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
Hilary K
HK
Brown
Hélène
H
Ouellette-Kuntz
Duncan
D
Hunter
Elizabeth
E
Kelley
Virginie
V
Cobigo
D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D002662:Child Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004519:Education, Special / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007899:Leisure Activities; D008297:Male; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires