Queensland Cerebral Palsy and Rehabilitation Research Centre

AutInsight: an online parent support program for parents of autistic children

What is the AutInsight research project about?

We have developed an online parent support program for parents of autistic children based both on the scientific literature on parenting and the reflections of autistic adults. Autistic adults told us that they wanted unconditional acceptance and for their parents to understand them as people – they wanted parenting that was grounded in insight and understanding of their unique autistic self.

We need your help to ensure that AutInsight is beneficial for families. This study is about testing whether AutInsight makes a difference in the lives of families of autistic children. It is also about getting your feedback on AutInsight so it can be improved further.

 

What does the AutInsight involve?

The AutInsight parent support program is a 5-week online group program (one 2-hour Zoom session per week) aimed at supporting parents of autistic children to:

  • develop greater insight and understanding of autism from the inside out, drawing on the perspectives of autistic adults,
  • strengthen their relationship with their child, and
  • develop practical strategies for parents’ self-care.

The program is informed by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and attachment theory and developed based on feedback from autistic adults. An advisory group of autistic adults (including some parents) has been involved in this study from the outset, giving feedback on the questionnaires, materials, and the program.

Who participated?

This study aimed to recruit:

  • the parent (including adoptive, stepparent or legal guardian) of an autistic child (10 years or younger) and
  • have reliable internet access

 

Publications:

  • Lee, J. Y. S., Whittingham, K., Olson, R., & Mitchell, A. E. (2023). “Their Happiness, Not Neurotypical Success”: Autistic Adults Reflect on the Parenting of Autistic Children. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-023-06188-z

  • Lee, J. Y. S., Whittingham, K., & Mitchell, A. E. (2022). Childhood experiences of being parented, adult attachment, psychological inflexibility, social engagement, and mental health of autistic adults. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 130, 104343–104343. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104343