Abstract
Obtaining an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis is often challenging for parents. The purpose of this study was to better understand this process and examine how elements of the process may influence parent satisfaction. A total of 406 parents of autistic children participated. Participants were administered a survey covering the ASD diagnostic process. Parents had developmental concerns early but experienced long wait times and usually attended many appointments. Mean diagnostic age was 3.26 years and overall delay was 1.20 years. Stress and being told there was “no problem” were significantly associated with parental satisfaction with the process. Findings provide insight into challenges experienced by families of autistic children and can help pinpoint areas where the diagnostic process may be improved.
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The authors would like to acknowledge and thank all the families who participated in this study.
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KTM was responsible for study conception and all authors contributed to study design. Data collection was managed by KTM in collaboration with the SPARK Research Match program. Data analysis was performed by KTM and SME. The first draft of the manuscript was written by KTM and all authors critically revised later versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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MacKenzie, K.T., Mazefsky, C.A. & Eack, S.M. Obtaining a First Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Descriptions of the Diagnostic Process and Correlates of Parent Satisfaction from a National Sample. J Autism Dev Disord 53, 3799–3812 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05673-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-022-05673-1