Actual and perceived speedy diagnoses are associated with mothers' unresolved reactions to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for a child.
Taking extra time and showing respect during autism evaluations helps moms accept the diagnosis sooner.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Reed et al. (2019) asked moms how fast their child got an autism diagnosis. They also asked if the moms felt good about the process.
The team then checked whether speed and feelings linked to moms feeling resolved or stuck after hearing the news.
What they found
Slower, more careful steps plus warm, respectful talks helped moms reach peace with the diagnosis.
When clinics rushed or moms felt dismissed, moms stayed upset longer.
How this fits with other research
Wachtel et al. (2008) first showed that resolved moms play and talk better with their kids. Phil et al. now show how to get that resolution.
Diemer et al. (2023) and Fowler et al. (2021) add that girls often wait even longer for diagnosis, so their moms may need extra support during the wait.
Jashar et al. (2019) found most parents feel neutral about toddler evaluations, but Phil et al. show the speed and tone still shape moms' long-term feelings.
Why it matters
You can slow the pace and build rapport without adding cost. Offer a second visit, explain each step, and ask moms how they feel. These small moves help moms move from shock to steady advocacy for their child.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
Reaction to a child's diagnosis can strongly affect the parent, but little is known about the aspects of the diagnostic process associated with such reactions. The pre-diagnostic levels of anxiety, depression, and parenting stress of 67 volunteer mothers of children subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were assessed, along with the children's functioning. The speed and number of professionals involved in the diagnosis were recorded, and mothers completed a post-diagnosis assessment of their perceptions of the process. Longer actual and perceived diagnosis speeds predicted resolved reactions to diagnosis. Mothers' psychological states pre-diagnosis did not predict reactions to diagnosis. Providing a measured diagnostic process, and strong relationship with mothers, rather than aiming for speed alone, may well be more productive for the parent and child.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2019 · doi:10.1177/1362361319833676