Search

Aim: Research suggests that autistic children and young people (CYP) are more likely to experience Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) than their non-autistic peers. As such, this paper aims to explore factors associated with EBSNA behaviours in autistic children and CYP Method: The paper takes the form of a systematic literature review, in which quantitative research was examined. Eight papers were found that researched factors associated with EBSNA in autistic CYP. These were critically appraised using Cardiff University's SURE checklist prior to engaging in a narrative synthesis to critically review the findings. Findings: The literature synthesis identified overarching themes that grouped together potential factors associated with EBSNA in autistic CYP: child-based factors (age, social-emotional wellbeing and cognitive factors), family-based factors (parental mental wellbeing, parental employment and family illness) and school-based factors (bullying and transition). Limitations: There was methodological heterogeneity across the studies reviewed, and therefore meta statistical analyses were not performed. This impacts on our ability to make conclusions about the precise impact of the factors identified. Conclusions: A range of factors impact on autistic CYP EBSNA behaviours, and as such a holistic approach needs to be taken when providing support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stakeholder involvement in intervention development has become increasingly popular and is understood as crucial for successful implementation. However, methodological difficulties persist regarding the implementation of appropriate participatory methods to engage children and collect relevant information for intervention development. This paper discusses four creative, qualitative methods – a brainstorming task, an individual letter, a story-based task, and a focus group task – and compares their suitability to generate relevant information for early intervention development. These four methods were used in the early stages of a project aiming to develop a peer relationship intervention and were analysed using thematic analysis. Based on theoretical considerations, information categories (a) definition aspects, (b) context factors, and (c) change mechanisms were of interest, while (d) examples and experience and (e) additional information were identified as prevalent categories through inductive thematic analysis. Definition was a prevalent theme generated by the brainstorming task, although the sticky note format limited the depth of individual answers. The secret letter, which allowed children to share ideas privately, was found to be useful for generating more in-depth reflections on definitions and personal experiences. Stories and focus group discussions were found to be useful for generating varied context factors and change mechanisms, although stories also generated fictional elements and external solutions. Providing different qualitative methods and allowing children to choose how they prefer to communicate their thoughts proved important for collecting authentic, in-depth information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the findings of a systematic review of qualitative research exploring the views and experiences of pupils moving from primary to secondary school in England. The concept of transition is explored before a brief discussion of the policy and legislation surrounding educational transition. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was used to ensure a systematic search, following which seven papers were identified. These were reviewed and appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist. Analysis of the literature using thematic synthesis identified key concerns for children who had undergone transition from primary to secondary school and factors that supported this. A key theme highlighted was that of relationships, suggesting this as an area that would benefit from further support. Additional factors including emotions, identity, environment and strategies/recommendations were explored. This review is relevant for professionals working with children who will, or have, undergone the transition from primary to secondary school, and explores recommendations to support this transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]