Family Social Participation in Young Children With Autism: Phenomenological Analyses

Date Presented 04/05/19

This phenomenological study explored and illuminated the experiences and meaning of social participation in families raising a young child with autism. Ten families were recruited and interviewed. Phenomenological analyses revealed that family experiences and meaning related to social participation included 1) divide and conquer, 2) occupation in isolation, and 3) pausing to reset engagement. Results suggest impoverished family occupation of social participation begins in early childhood.

Additional Authors and Speakers: Beth DeGrace

Primary Author and Speaker: Julie Smith