Table 3 Diagnostic information
From: The importance of physician knowledge of autism spectrum disorder: results of a parent survey
Professional Diagnosing the Child | Number of participants (percentage) |
Developmental pediatrician | 63 (43%) |
Psychologist | 24 (16%) |
Neurologist | 25 (17%) |
Primary care physician | 1 (1%) |
Psychiatrist | 9 (6%) |
Other | 18 (12%) |
No answer | 6 (4%) |
Information Provided After Diagnosing the Child | Number of participants (percentage) |
Provided no additional information | 26 (18%) |
Gave information about available resources | 66 (45%) |
Gave literature about autism | 65 (45%) |
Spent time talking about autism | 60 (41%) |
Referred to an autism specialist | 9 (6%) |
Referred to a support group | 14 (10%) |
Advised on educational programs | 50 (34%) |
Advised on medical programs | 22 (15%) |
Other | 21 (14%) |
Who/what helped in learning about ASD | Number of participants (percentage) |
Healthcare professionals | 29 (20%) |
Education professionals | 31 (21%) |
Parent resource centers | 26 (18%) |
Early intervention specialist | 22 (15%) |
Parents of children with Autism | 61 (42%) |
Family member | 12 (8%) |
Friends | 15 (10%) |
Support group | 43 (29%) |
Advocacy group | 25 (17%) |
Internet | 107 (73%) |
Books, magazines, or videotapes | 103 (71%) |
Conferences and workshops | 61 (42%) |
Didn't seek further help | 0 |
Other | 12 (8%) |
Membership status of support groups | Number of participants (percentage) |
Member of an autism specific group | 69 (47%) |
Member of a non-autism specific group | 8 (5%) |
Member of autism and non-autism specific group | 17 (12%) |
Not currently, but member in the past | 11 (8%) |
Never a member | 18 (12%) |
Not currently, but wants to be a member | 21 (14%) |
No answer | 2 (1%) |