Policy pathways to better outcomes for children with autism

Social and Health Policy Sciences

This study investigates policy-making for children with autism.  In Canada, the case of autism presents a unique opportunity to study policy-making in the context of determined advocacy for the rights of children.  Concerned about longstanding service shortfalls, parents’ groups have organized, asking the courts to mandate specific interventions and compelling governments to provide new services.  Yet the climate remains highly conflicted.  Researchers may be uniquely positioned to make constructive contributions to the collective efforts to ensure children’s wellbeing in such a context.  Qualitative interview methods are being used to prospectively explore the views and experiences of three groups –– policy-makers, researchers and parents –– as interactions occur among them over time.  Relevant research, policy and media documents are also being collected and analysed.  We are conducting this study in conjunction with a larger five-year national longitudinal study describing developmental trajectories and evaluating service outcomes in children with autism, led by Peter Szatmari, Eric Fombonne and Susan Bryson.