Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families experience challenges and barriers at multiple levels that influence their activity participation. The purpose of this study was to develop understanding about factors influencing how families can promote safe, active recreation for their children 3–12 years living with ASD across rural settings and how supports for these families can be enhanced.

Methods

This qualitative study used an interpretive descriptive approach. Twelve in-depth, semi-structured interviews with parents of children with ASD were conducted. Data was analyzed thematically.

Results

Four main themes emerged: 1) ASD specific child vulnerabilities impeding safe recreation. 2) Importance of safe outdoor spaces in rural settings for children with ASD. 3) Diverse parent strategies to address risks and needs. 4) Perceived needs for training of recreation providers.

Conclusion

Findings highlight family-centred priority issues including parental safety concerns related to elopement and risk of injury linked to environmental and outdoor hazards prominent in rural settings. Autism awareness and recreational training is needed and could incorporate collaborative development of child specific safety plans to foster inclusive opportunities. Program planners can use this information to encourage policy making to aid families’ safe activity participation.

中文翻译：

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“这里什么都没有”：农村父母的观点促进自闭症谱系障碍儿童的安全积极娱乐

背景

自闭症谱系障碍 (ASD) 儿童及其家人在影响他们活动参与的多个层面遇到挑战和障碍。本研究的目的是了解影响家庭如何促进农村地区 3-12 岁 ASD 儿童安全、积极娱乐的因素，以及如何加强对这些家庭的支持。

方法

这项定性研究使用了解释性描述方法。对 ASD 儿童的父母进行了 12 次深入、半结构化的访谈。数据进行了专题分析。

结果

出现了四个主要主题：1) 妨碍安全娱乐的 ASD 特定儿童脆弱性。2) 农村环境中 ASD 儿童安全户外空间的重要性。3) 应对风险和需求的多样化母公司战略。4) 对娱乐提供者培训的感知需求。

结论

调查结果突出了以家庭为中心的优先问题，包括与私奔有关的父母安全问题以及与农村地区突出的环境和户外危害相关的伤害风险。自闭症意识和娱乐培训是必要的，可以纳入儿童特定安全计划的协作开发，以促进包容性机会。计划规划者可以使用此信息来鼓励制定政策以帮助家庭安全参与活动。