Child-rearing routines among Mexican-heritage children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism. 2020 Jan;24(1):80-94. doi: 10.1177/1362361319849244. Epub 2019 May 17.

Abstract

This study examined the daily routines and activities of Mexican-heritage mothers and their children with autism spectrum disorder. Experienced sampling methods were used to capture families' current daily routines and activities, how parents valued those activities, and whether the activity was part of the child's autism spectrum disorder intervention. A total of 32 mothers were texted five times per day over five consecutive days for a total of 721 observations. Mothers frequently engaged in Self-Care (e.g. showering), General Caregiving (e.g. cooking), and House Chores (e.g. laundry). Children engaged in activities in which interventions could easily be integrated (e.g. Academics, Self-Care, and Playing with Others). Families spent less than one-third (26.1%) of their activities participating in interventions. Mothers and children jointly spent time in General Caregiving, Playing with Others, and Using Electronics. Practitioners should focus on integrating evidence-based interventions into daily joint routine activities.

Keywords: autism spectrum disorder; daily activities; experienced sampling methods; immigrant families; interventions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / psychology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder / therapy*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Mexican Americans / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mothers / psychology*
  • Mothers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Young Adult