There are multiple existing pieces of research that suggest higher parent expectations can predict more independent outcomes of youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet there is still very little exploration done about how parents’ expectations are formed with such children. Therefore this study was done to gain an understanding of their expectation formation. For the purpose of data collection, the researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 7 parents of adolescents with ASD. In total there were 3 types of influences on parent expectations that were identified: factors related to the youth, to the parent, and to social and societal forces external to the family. Although not directly probed, all of the participants also discussed their approaches to planning for the future, which was clearly suggesting a connection with their expectations. These research findings of the expectations of parents contribute to a growing body of literature on the role of parent expectations during the transition to adulthood. Future research and clinical practice implications include designing interventions aimed at expanding parent expectations in addition to approaches directly preparing youth with ASD for adulthood as a means to improve outcomes.
Reference: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1088357619881221
