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The health and social care needs of family carers supporting adults with autistic spectrum disorders.

Hare DJ, Pratt C, Burton M, Bromley J, Emerson E

Academic Division of Clinical Psychology, University of Manchester, Education and Research Building, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester M23 9LT, UK. dougal.hare@man.ac.uk

The families of 26 adults with autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs) who either lived at home or maintained close contact with their families were interviewed about their social and psychological needs related to caring for the person with ASD. In contrast to previous studies of familial carers of children with ASDs, a strong association between parental emotional distress and unmet need was found. Parents also reported a need for more autism-specific intervention and support for adults with ASDs. The study illustrates the continuing and underreported role of families in supporting adults with ASDs.

Published 23 November 2004 in Autism, 8(4): 425-44.
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