The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family

Roseann C. Schaaf; Susan Toth-Cohen; Stephanie L. Johnson; Gina Outten; Teal W. Benevides

doi:10.1177/1362361310386505

The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family

Roseann C. Schaaf, Susan Toth-Cohen, Stephanie L. Johnson, Gina Outten, Teal W. Benevides

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

201 Scopus citations

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of how sensory-related behaviors of children with autism affected family routines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with four primary caregivers regarding the meaning and impact of their child's sensory-related behaviors on family routines that occurred inside and outside the home. Findings indicated that sensory behaviors are one factor that limited family participation in work, family and leisure activities; and that parents employed specific strategies to manage individual and family routines in light of the child's sensory-related behaviors. This information has important implications for professionals who work with families of children with autism to decrease caregiver stress and to increase life satisfaction for the child and family.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	373-389
Number of pages	17
Journal	Autism
Volume	15
Issue number	3
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361310386505
State	Published - May 2011
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

autism
family
qualitative research
routines
sensory processing

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Developmental and Educational Psychology

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10.1177/1362361310386505

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title = "The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family",

abstract = "The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of how sensory-related behaviors of children with autism affected family routines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with four primary caregivers regarding the meaning and impact of their child's sensory-related behaviors on family routines that occurred inside and outside the home. Findings indicated that sensory behaviors are one factor that limited family participation in work, family and leisure activities; and that parents employed specific strategies to manage individual and family routines in light of the child's sensory-related behaviors. This information has important implications for professionals who work with families of children with autism to decrease caregiver stress and to increase life satisfaction for the child and family.",

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AU - Outten, Gina

AU - Benevides, Teal W.

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AB - The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of how sensory-related behaviors of children with autism affected family routines. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with four primary caregivers regarding the meaning and impact of their child's sensory-related behaviors on family routines that occurred inside and outside the home. Findings indicated that sensory behaviors are one factor that limited family participation in work, family and leisure activities; and that parents employed specific strategies to manage individual and family routines in light of the child's sensory-related behaviors. This information has important implications for professionals who work with families of children with autism to decrease caregiver stress and to increase life satisfaction for the child and family.

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The everyday routines of families of children with autism: Examining the impact of sensory processing difficulties on the family

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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