The Diagnostic Process for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Preliminary Study of Jordanian Parents’ Perspectives

Abstract

Although extensive research has been conducted worldwide to investigate the diagnostic process of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Jordanian parents’ experiences have been overlooked. This study explored parents’ journeys toward receiving diagnoses for their children with ASD. In particular, it aimed to provide a clear picture of the process for obtaining these diagnoses for children in Jordan. Methods: Eighteen semi-structured interviews were carried out with 12 mothers and six fathers of children with ASD aged 5 to 11 years old. Results: The coding process was based on a thematic analysis method and resulted in the identification of three overlapping themes: dissatisfaction with professionals’ abilities to approach parents, an unstructured diagnostic process, and perspectives on diagnosis tools. Conclusions: Our data upheld the idea that parental satisfaction with the diagnostic process is influenced by the duration of the process, the information provided, the support offered, and the communication approach used by professionals. Within the local cultural context, parents were significantly impacted by the societal stigma associated with disability when they sought diagnoses for their children with ASD.