Exploring the routine vaccination experience of Australian autistic children and their families

A qualitative study

Bibliographic Data

ID21258236
AuthorsKeana Loschiavo (The University of Melbourne), Margie Danchin (0000-0002-7624-5691, Royal Children's Hospital), Cherée Murrihy (The University of Melbourne), Katrina Williams (0000-0002-1686-4458, The University of Melbourne), Alexandra Ure (0000-0003-4217-4933, Monash Children’s Hospital), Mark Carter (0000-0003-2322-8537, University of Wollongong), Sarah Carlon (0000-0002-3805-582X, Macquarie University), Robin P Goin-Kochel (0000-0001-6666-4369, Baylor College of Medicine), Kathleen L Bagot (0000-0003-2895-4327, Murdoch Children's Research Institute), Jessica Kaufman (0000-0001-5139-4183, The University of Melbourne, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume2
Pages100193
Publication date2022-12-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSSM - Qualitative Research in Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2667-3215 • E-ISSN: 2667-3215
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100193
OpenAlexW4308562583
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited32

Autistic children, adolescents and their younger siblings are less likely to be fully vaccinated compared to their peers in the general population. A focus on the influence of the unfounded link between the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism has distracted from consideration of unique family experiences and autistic-child related factors, such as emotional and behavioural differences, that may influence caregivers’ vaccination decisions. Without an understanding of the unique challenges and experiences of families with autistic children along the vaccination journey, the scope for appropriate, targeted interventions to support them is limited. To address this gap, in this qualitative research study we explored factors that impact the vaccination journey for autistic children and their families in an Australian context. Participants included 16 caregivers (15 mothers; 1 father) of 25 children who had a diagnosis of autism. Seven families had multiple autistic children. Participants shared their perceptions, experiences, and anticipation related to childhood vaccinations and vaccinating their autistic child and their siblings. Conducting thematic analysis, we identified four themes, comprising eight subthemes. The primary themes were 1) caregiver upskilling and self-assurance, 2) acknowledging unique differences amongst autistic children, 3) trouble behind and trouble ahead, and 4) managing sensory overload. Through these themes, we describe the unique needs of autistic children and their families with regard to emotional and sensory aspects of the vaccination visit across settings. We conclude by making recommendations for adaptation of vaccination services to incorporate the autistic perspective and lived experiences of families of autistic children

Autism · Developmental psychology · Measles · Population · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Vaccination · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Medicine · Psychology · Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy · Virology and Viral Diseases

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