Suchergebnisse

BackgroundResearchers acknowledge the importance of understanding how families of children with autism cope. Yet, little is known about the experiences of older parents of adults with autism.Materials and MethodsIn‐depth interviews were conducted with 16 older parents of adults with autism. Narrative analysis was used to gain insights into their lived experiences.ResultsParticipants' narratives reflected the notion that much of their experience was a delicate balancing act as they attempted to manage their offspring's symptoms of autism whilst achieving a degree of fulfilment in their own lives. Parents did not believe that formal services had adequately supported their ability to provide care whilst meeting other needs within the family context.ConclusionsThe findings have implications for services that attempt to support older parents' abilities to provide care, including the need for tailored intervention strategies that match each family's unique needs.

The Functional Independence Measure (FIM) was selected as an assessment to be conducted annually with adults attending The Spastic Centre of New South Wales (SCNSW), Australia, an organisation specifically for individuals with cerebral palsy. Service‐providers were trained in the administration of the FIM and in the use of a customised data base. Initially 173 adults with cerebral palsy were assessed, this number included 135 individuals in supported and open employment. The FIM is currently being used to assess all adults attending the SCNSW as part of an annual review. The data from this ongoing assessment procedure will assist in lobbying government to ensure that individuals have access to the attendant care services that they require to function optimally in the community and will provide a longitudinal data base for study of some of the effects of the ageing process on individuals with cerebral palsy. A case study is presented which illustrates the use of the FIM with a couple who live independently in the community.