How parents build a case for autism spectrum disorder during initial assessments

We’re fighting a losing battle

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5965488
AutoresMichelle O’reilly (0000-0003-1978-6405, University of Leicester, autor correspondente), J N Lester (0000-0001-6107-3033, Indiana University), Tom Muskett (Leeds Beckett University), Khalid Karim (University of Leicester)
Ano2017
Volume19
Fascículo1
Páginas69-83
Data de publicação2017-02-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoDiscourse Studies (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1461-4456 • E-ISSN: 1461-7080
EditoraSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1461445616683590
OpenAlexW2479801370
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas6
Referências citadas34

Integral to the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder is the initial assessment through which the existence of a ‘problem’ is first ascertained. Despite this, there remains limited research on this early part of the diagnostic pathway. In this article, we utilised conversation analysis to examine relevant issues in relation to the practitioner-family interactions that take place within this initial assessment context. Our findings illustrated that parents typically first raised the possibility of the presence of an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis through ‘building a case’, which professionals were then able to ratify or negate. Furthermore, we found that the assessments unfolded sequentially and clinical decisions were typically reached through a distinctive pattern of interaction. These findings have important implications for clinical practice, including for the study of autism spectrum disorder assessments and diagnosis

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Battle · Clinical Practice · Conversation · Conversation analysis · Developmental psychology · Family medicine · Psychiatry · Spectrum disorder · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Family and Disability Support Research · Language Development and Disorders · Medicine · Psychology