SAFE is a programme of support for families of autistic children and those waiting for a diagnosis. It has been developed with parents and uses their unique perspective of life with an autistic child.
Dr Becky McKenzie and her team at the University of Plymouth tested the SAFE programme with parents to learn about their experiences of taking part.
They wanted to gather enough data for a national trial so that they could share the benefits of the programme with other families and carers and improve support following a diagnosis of autism.
It felt good to tell someone about my ideas
Autistic boy, 11
Explaining the need for this project
Parents tell us that there is a desperate need for specific support during and following an autism diagnosis that offers a consistent approach to all family members.
We know that early intervention is very important for autistic children's development and the wellbeing of all family members. The assessment process for an autism diagnosis can take years and families tell us about the lack of help and support during this very stressful time.
Research has shown that families waiting for a diagnosis are at high risk of developing mental health problems. Often the wellbeing of all family members is affected by the challenge of managing their autistic child’s communication, behaviour and emotional issues without appropriate support.
Parents have told us that support programmes need to build on their determination and strength to provide a positive future for their children and for themselves.
The research process
Becky and her team worked closely with families to develop ideas and improve the programme.
SAFE is for all the family and includes:
- Five three-hour sessions delivered over four months.
- Home visits and group sessions.
- Sessions facilitated by family therapists trained in the SAFE programme.
As part of the research, families also received a two-hour follow-up, six months after starting the programme.
How this project is making a difference
The team discovered that, after completing the SAFE programme, families reported an improvement in communication between family members and in their ability to cope with difficulties. Promisingly, this indicates strong potential for the SAFE intervention to provide effective, practical support for autistic children and their whole families. The team are now planning larger-scale studies to further test the SAFE programme and its practical ability to improve the daily lives of families of autistic children.
I got to hear my husband's view in a calm setting rather than in the heat of a meltdown
Mum