Self-reported needs of caregivers of people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Colombet et al. (2023) asked 1,013 French caregivers of people with autism one big question: what do you still need?

The team used an online survey. They looked at knowledge, help finding services, and emotional support.

Most caregivers said they already felt "sufficiently informed" about autism. The survey still uncovered large unmet needs.

Even confident caregivers wanted more: clearer information, easier ways to find services, and someone to talk to.

Feeling informed did not erase the need for practical tools and social backing.

Davy et al. (2022) show that caring for an autistic child often steals parents' work and leisure time. Claire's numbers echo the same strain: parents need concrete help, not just facts.

Libero et al. (2016) found that low-income families lack service know-how while high-income families chase higher quality. Claire's wider sample adds a cultural lens: the knowledge gap cuts across social levels in France.

Ghaderi et al. (2019) found doctors who feel "knowledgeable" yet feel unready to help. Claire finds the same mismatch in caregivers: high confidence, high unmet need. Both studies flag a knowledge-practice gap that training alone does not close.

Stop assuming that "they already know" means "they don't need more." Build parent training that hands out ready-to-use resource lists, peer contact info, and respite options. Add quick check-ins for emotional support. When you give caregivers both facts and follow-through, you lighten the hidden load Gemma et al. describe and boost the whole family's well-being.