Description

Research has recently focused on the role of grandparents (GPs) on children’s care as well as on their involvement in the therapeutic process of their grandchildren with special needs (Margetts et al., 2006). However, less is known about the role of GPs in families with children in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim of the project was to explore grandparents’: a) emotional reaction to the diagnosis, b) acceptance of the grandchild, c) understanding of the child’s difficulties, d) access to specialists and to support services, e) involvement in the care and the treatment of the ASD, and f) concerns for the grandchild’s future. Moreover, the study examined which of the above parameters affect the quality of the relationship that the grandparent enjoys with the ASD grandchild. The participants were 25 grandparents with autistic grandchildren attending either the nursery or the primary school. GPs were administered a structured questionnaire entailing demographic information, and assessing, in the form of a 5-rating point scale all the aforementioned parameters. The findings of the project suggest that despite their initial devastating feelings, most GPs have accepted their grandchild's disability. Moreover, they are actively involved in his/her care, but are less involved in the treatment of the disability. GPs reported a good understanding of the child's difficulties, despite their limited access to information services. However, the majority reported the need for a) receiving support from specialists - a need stated in many studies of children with special needs (e.g. Vadasy et al., 1986; ) and ASD (e.g. Hillman, 2007; Margetts et al., 2006; Sullivan et al., 2012) - and b) for participating in self-support groups (e.g. Minkler et al., 1993). Overall GPs enjoyed a close relationship with their grandchild. The quality of their relationship was correlated with the acceptance of their grandchild and the involvement in his/her care. The understanding of the disability was correlated with GPs involvement in the daily care and treatment, the acceptance and the overall quality of their relationship. The findings suggest that GPs are actively involved in the lives of their ASD grandchildren and should be supported by professionals to fully understand the child’s difficulties and strengths.