Understanding Developmental Delays In Children and Navigating The Journey of Parental Support

Early intervention is invaluable for aiding children with autism into becoming independently functioning adults, with various types of intervention programs available depending on the age group or intensity of symptoms (Bao, Sun, & Wei, 1999). The first step to accessing these programs, however, is improving education on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and working to prevent or address parental denial. The current study focuses on understanding these gaps in education and identifying potential routes for parental denial, particularly among racially and ethnically-diverse groups. Data were collected using Qualtrics, and included a series of questions related to developmental milestones, symptoms of ASD in children, experience and familiarity with ASD, and demographic questions. Participants were parents of children under 18, and were racially and ethnically diverse. Data were analyzed using SPSS and a series of quantitative analyses. Key findings will be discussed, and highlight the need for further parental education on the signs and symptoms of ASD, the steps to take when facing developmental delays in children, and the importance of early intervention for skill-building and future independence. Additional education should address the challenges associated with parental denial and provide tools for acknowledging the developmental “issues” at hand.