title: Support Needs of Families Living with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: This study examined the perceived availability and helpfulness of supports used by caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in New Zealand, particularly for caregivers who are Māori, and who live rurally. Caregivers (N = 92) completed the Family Support Scale with comparisons analysed using t tests. Free text comments were invited and analysed using a general inductive approach. More support was perceived as available by Non-Māori than Māori p = 0.03, 95 % CI (0.21, 3.88). Spouses were rated as the most helpful support. Professional helpers were rated as 'somewhat helpful'. Helpful support emphasised caring, knowledge and accessibility. Ethnic differences in perceptions of support endorse calls for culturally tailored supports. Informal supports are highly valued however professional supports require development to better meet caregiver needs.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand. billiesearing@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Billie Margaret Jean
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-7059-6733
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Searing
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand. fi.graham@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Graham
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Teaching and Research Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Otago, PO Box 7343, Wellington, 6242, New Zealand. Rebecca.grainger@otago.ac.nz.
authors.forename: Rebecca
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Grainger
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009520:New Zealand; D012424:Rural Population; D012944:Social Support; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology
keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Māori; New Zealand; Rural; Social support