Grandparents play an important role for children with autism spectrum disorder, according to the Interactive Autism Network (IAN).
The group has the nation’s largest online autism research project, it said in a statement, yet the project had no role for grandparents. Grandparents asked to be included in the research, describing their efforts to support their children as parents of autistic children, and their efforts to build relationships with their grandchildren.
In response, the network surveyed grandparents of autistic children. It published part one of the report on April 6. The grandparent respondents were often the first to notice the child’s condition, perhaps because they were experienced parents.
Grandparent’s expressed grief at the child’s trouble, yet said working with the parents to help the child had brought them closer.
A minority said dealing with the disorder harmed their relationship with their children. A majority, 92 percent, said their spouse always gave them support in dealing with the grandchild’s condition.
The group has the nation’s largest online autism research project, it said in a statement, yet the project had no role for grandparents. Grandparents asked to be included in the research, describing their efforts to support their children as parents of autistic children, and their efforts to build relationships with their grandchildren.
In response, the network surveyed grandparents of autistic children. It published part one of the report on April 6. The grandparent respondents were often the first to notice the child’s condition, perhaps because they were experienced parents.
Grandparent’s expressed grief at the child’s trouble, yet said working with the parents to help the child had brought them closer.
A minority said dealing with the disorder harmed their relationship with their children. A majority, 92 percent, said their spouse always gave them support in dealing with the grandchild’s condition.
