A Study Of Social Support Networks For Children With Autism

In recent years,the number of autistic children in China has been on the rise and has become a focus of attention for the government and academia.Autism is a developmental disorder with severe physical and mental impairments that can cause lifelong disabilities,which is a cruel mental blow to every autistic family.Therefore,they need more social support and help.This study used a qualitative research method to assess the social needs of children with autism using participant observation and semi-structured interview methods,using the H City C autism rehabilitation institution as the research site.Then,based on social support theory,we tried to reveal the problems of the current social support network for autistic children from both formal and informal support subjects,and put forward suggestions to improve the social support network for autistic children,so as to help autistic families reduce their burden and help autistic children integrate into society smoothlyResearch studies have found that children with autism have care and treatment needs,financial support needs,social identity needs,and education and placement needs.This study explored the current status of social support networks for children with autism from four formal support subjects:government,rehabilitation institutions,community,and hospitals,and four informal support subjects:family,relatives and neighbors,autism parent-to-parent,and social organizations.It was found that all support subjects provide some support and assistance to children with autism.However,the support is insufficient and cannot yet meet the social needs of autistic children.Therefore,in order to improve the social support capacity of autistic children,a perfect social support network for autistic children needs to be constructed.Specifically,this includes strengthening the construction of support networks for the government,autism rehabilitation institutions,communities and families,and increasing the support among family and friends and autism parents.