Parent and tutor experiences of early intervention services with children with autism

Abstract

This dissertation endeavours to demonstrate the experiences and perceptions of parents whose children have an autism spectrum condition (ASC) and are undergoing early intervention services (EIS). It also illustrates the viewpoints of tutors providing these services. The aim of this study is to explore the important aspects of early intervention as well as the possible benefits and impacts it has on both the child and the family from the perspective of both the service providers and the families receiving the service. The perspectives of the parents and the tutors was compared and contrasted in order to evaluate the differences and commonalities of their experience, with a view of improving the quality of the service and learning ways to be more effective in supporting children with autism as well as their parental figures. A qualitative methodology was used to carry out this research and semi-structured interviews were administered to parents of three children with an ASC who are between zero and five years of age and have been receiving EIS for the past year, together with their respective service provider. The findings suggest that parents and tutors are facing several challenges when it comes to accessing and providing early intervention. An overhaul of the system is required in order for the children to start fully benefiting from these services. The data presented in this study is valuable information for organizations providing EI in Malta as it is a means for them to enhance their provision of service and become more efficient.