How do Parents Manage Irritability, Challenging Behaviour, Non-Compliance and Anxiety in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders? A Meta-Synthesis

Elizabeth O'Nions, Francesca Happé, Kris Evers, Hannah Boonen, Ilse Noens, Elizabeth O'Nions, Francesca Happé, Kris Evers, Hannah Boonen, Ilse Noens

Abstract

Although there is increasing research interest in the parenting of children with ASD, at present, little is known about everyday strategies used to manage problem behaviour. We conducted a meta-synthesis to explore what strategies parents use to manage irritability, non-compliance, challenging behaviour and anxiety in their children with ASD. Approaches included: (1) accommodating the child; (2) modifying the environment; (3) providing structure, routine and occupation; (4) supervision and monitoring; (5) managing non-compliance with everyday tasks; (6) responding to problem behaviour; (7) managing distress; (8) maintaining safety and (9) analysing and planning. Results suggest complex parenting demands in children with ASD and problem behaviour. Findings will inform the development of a new measure to quantify parenting strategies relevant to ASD.

Keywords: ASD; Anxiety; Behaviour management; Challenging behaviour; Irritability; Non-compliance; Parenting strategies.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Ethical Approval

This article does not contain any studies with human participants performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
PRISMA flow-chart describing the phases of study identification (Moher et al. 2009). Notes: *Full-texts for two potentially relevant studies could not be retrieved; **Full texts for ten potentially relevant studies could not be retrieved

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