Interprofessional collaboration to support children on the autism spectrum and their families : a way forward

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the effective collaboration among professionals in assisting children with autism and their families, with a specific focus on the Maltese context. Data was gathered from semi-structured interviews with six professionals, which were then analysed using thematic data analysis to identify common patterns and themes. The information collected varied depending on each participant's profession, work environment and personal experiences. Professionals highlighted various challenges they encountered in their careers, such as communication difficulties, lack of empathy and conflicts in roles. Their recommendations suggest that undergraduate education should include additional study units emphasizing empathy and interdisciplinary collaboration to address these issues effectively.