Survey-Description

Autism Worries Survey Parent Version (AWSPV) is a survey tool designed to assess the specific worries and concerns of parents with children on the autism spectrum. The AWSPV aims to capture the range of worries that parents may have regarding their child’s development, behavior, social interactions, education, and future.

Analysis and Use of Data

Scale Structure:

The AWSPV consists of various items that measure the intensity and frequency of parental worries related to different aspects of raising a child with autism.

Parents are asked to rate their level of concern on a Likert scale, typically ranging from 1 (not at all concerned) to 5 (extremely concerned).

Data Analysis:

Descriptive Statistics: Calculation of means, standard deviations, and frequency distributions to understand the general pattern of worries among parents.

Total Score: The total score is derived from summing the ratings of all items. Higher scores indicate a greater level of worry.

Subscale Analysis: If the AWSPV includes different subscales, such as worries about social skills, education, or future independence, analyzing these separately can provide insights into specific areas of concern.

Data Use:

Clinical Assessment: The survey can be used by clinicians to identify specific areas where parents need more support or resources in managing their child’s condition.

Research: The data collected can be used in studies examining the impact of parental worries on family dynamics, mental health, and the effectiveness of interventions.

Program Development: Organizations can use the results to develop targeted programs and services aimed at addressing the most common and pressing concerns of parents with children on the autism spectrum.

Purpose

The primary goal of the AWSPV is to provide a reliable and valid measure for assessing the worries and concerns of parents with children on the autism spectrum. Specific goals include:

Identification: Identifying the most common worries and concerns of parents to inform clinical practice and support services.

Support: Guiding the development of resources and interventions tailored to the specific needs of families with autistic children.

Research: Contributing to research that explores the relationship between parental worries and child outcomes, as well as the effectiveness of various support strategies.

Calibration

The calibration of the AWSPV involves ensuring the tool’s reliability and validity. Key steps include:

Validity Assessment:

Content Validity: Ensuring that the items adequately cover the range of concerns that parents of autistic children might have.

Criterion Validity: Examining correlations with other established measures of parental stress, worry, and mental health.

Construct Validity: Ensuring that the tool accurately measures the construct of parental worry as it relates to raising a child with autism.

Reliability Assessment:

Internal Consistency: Calculated using Cronbach’s alpha to ensure the consistency of the items within the survey.

Test-Retest Reliability: Assessing the stability of the tool over time with repeated administrations to the same participants.

References

Smith, L. E., Greenberg, J. S., & Mailick, M. R. (2014). “The impact of childhood autism on parents and family: A focus on parental stress, sibling relationships, and family dynamics.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 44(5), 1168-1182.

Hastings, R. P., & Brown, T. (2002). “Behavior problems of children with autism, parental self-efficacy, and mental health.” American Journal on Mental Retardation, 107(3), 222-232.

Phelps, K. W., McCammon, S. L., Wuensch, K. L., & Golden, J. A. (2009). “Enrichment, stress, and growth: A qualitative study of the positive experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.” Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 34(2), 121-136.