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The upward trend of specialized youth athletes is commonly associated with parents; however, there is little empirical evidence to support this idea. The purpose of the present study was to determine parents' beliefs about youth sport specialization and the association between these beliefs and their children's specialization status. Five hundred and thirty-five youth sport parents were surveyed on their beliefs about youth sport specialization. Descriptive statistics indicated most participants do not view youth sport specialization as a serious problem, do not believe youth sport specialization increases children's susceptibility to injury, and are not concerned with the injury risks associated with specialization. Further, the data showed most participants believe youth sport specialization increases children's chances of getting better at their primary sport, and many believe specialization increases children's chances of making a high school athletic team and college athletic team. Chi-square analyses revealed a statistically significant association between children's specialization status and participants' views on specialization (p < .001), in addition to parents' beliefs youth sport specialization increases children's chances of making a high school team (p = .001), making a college team (p < .001), getting injured (p < .001), and getting better at their primary sport (p < .001). Based on the results of this study, youth sport leaders should be more engaged in educating parents about the potential detriments of specialization. Keywords: Youth Sport Specialization; Specialization; Injury; Parents, Despite the many preeminent national and international sports authorities who strongly discourage youth sport specialization, many children are specializing in a single sport (Bergeron et al., 2015; National Association for [...]

Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) is effective for preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parental measures are rarely included in EIBI effectiveness studies, yet parental distress and lower self-efficacy are associated with poorer child outcomes. Parents of preschoolers with ASD (N = 485) were surveyed at baseline (T1), one-year post-intervention (T2), and school entry (T3) about family distress/crisis, parental self-efficacy, and satisfaction with services in two Canadian provinces. Family distress/crisis decreased and parental self-efficacy increased from T1 to T2. Increases in self-efficacy were largely maintained at T3. Parents were highly satisfied with services. Greater satisfaction for those residing in the province utilizing a parent-coaching model suggests that parent involvement is associated with positive parent outcomes., Author(s): Barbara D'Entremont [sup.1] , Helen E. Flanagan [sup.2] , Wendy J. Ungar [sup.3] [sup.4] , Charlotte Waddell [sup.5] , Nancy Garon [sup.6] , Jeffrey den Otter [sup.7] , Natalie [...]

Over the past 10 years, identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) risk has dramatically increased due to the wide-spread implementation of screening programs; yet, there is limited understanding about parent perceptions and experiences during the time period when risk is identified, but prior to receiving a formal diagnosis-a period that can last months to years given the long wait-lists for formal ASD evaluations. The current study aimed to examine parent perceptions of family impact (i.e., the impact their child's behaviors have on the family) between the time of risk-identification and formal diagnosis among 277 children identified as at-risk for ASD through screening positive in primary care. We aimed to compare family impact among those whose child met diagnostic criteria for ASD and those who did not. Parents of children who received a non-ASD diagnosis reported a higher baseline level of family impact (F[1, 274] = 5.82, p = .017); however, perceived difficult child behavior was a stronger predictor of family impact (t[6] = 13.11, p < .001) than later diagnostic group (t[6] = - 2.10, p = .037), and child functioning did not predict family impact (t[6] = -0.31, p = .76). These results suggest that in this population, perceived difficult child behavior is a stronger predictor of family impact than later diagnostic category and should be considered an important factor in family support., Author(s): Emily J. Hickey [sup.1] [sup.3] , Emily Feinberg [sup.2] , Jocelyn Kuhn [sup.3] , Howard J. Cabral [sup.4] , Sarabeth Broder-Fingert [sup.5] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.14003.36, 0000 0001 2167 [...]

Autism spectrum disorders are diagnosed globally, but recognition, interpretation and reporting may vary across cultures. To compare autism across cultures it is important to investigate whether the tools used are conceptually equivalent across cultures. This study evaluated the factor structure of the parent-reported Autism Spectrum Quotient Short Form in autistic children from China (n = 327; 3 to 17 years) and the Netherlands (n = 694; 6 to 16 years). Confirmatory factor analysis did not support the two-factor hierarchical model previously identified. Exploratory factor analysis indicated culturally variant factor structures between China and the Netherlands, which may hamper cross-cultural comparisons. Several items loaded onto different factors in the two samples, indicating substantial variation in parent-reported autistic traits between China and the Netherlands., Author(s): Fangyuan Liu [sup.1] , Anke M. Scheeren [sup.1] , Rachel Grove [sup.2] , Rosa A. Hoekstra [sup.3] , Ke Wang [sup.4] , Dehua Guo [sup.5] , Chongying Wang [sup.4] [...]

Background Maternal perception of child weight status in children with overweight or obesity has received a lot of attention but data on paternal perception of children from presumably healthy cohorts are lacking. Objective We aimed to investigate paternal and maternal perception of child weight status at the age of 8 years in a cohort of 591 children from 5 European countries. Material and Methods Included were 8-year-old children and their parents participating in the European Childhood Obesity Project (EU CHOP). Weight and height of children and parents were measured and Body Mass Index (BMI, kg/m.sup.2) was calculated. Both parents were asked to assess their perception of child weight status using Eckstein scales and their concern about child overweight. The agreement between mother and father perceptions was assessed by Cohen kappa coefficient and their relationship was analyzed by linear mixed effects models based on ordinal logistic regression, accounting for country, child gender and BMI, parental BMI, level of education, concern and type of feeding during first year of life. Results Data from children and both parents were available for 432 girls and boys. Mean BMI was comparable in boys and girls (16.7 ± 2.31 vs. 16.9 ± 2.87 kg/m.sup.2, P = 0.55). In total, 172 children (29.3%) were overweight or obese. There was a high degree of agreement between mother and father perceptions of their child's weight status (Cohen kappa 0.77). Multivariate modelling showed that perception levels significantly increased with child BMI but were globally lower than assessed. They differed between countries, gender and types of feeding during first year of life, were influenced by education level of the father but were not related to parental BMI and concern about childhood overweight. Conclusions The study showed no overall differences between mothers and fathers in rating their child's weight status but both parents had a propensity to underestimate their child's actual weight, particularly in boys. The EU CHOP trial registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00338689., Author(s): Annick Xhonneux [sup.1] , Jean-Paul Langhendries [sup.1] , Françoise Martin [sup.1] , Laurence Seidel [sup.2] , Adelin Albert [sup.2] [sup.3] , Elena Dain [sup.4] , Martina Totzauer [sup.5] , [...]

THE 15TH ANNUAL EDUCATION NEXT SURVEY, conducted in June 2021, yields a host of specific results that reveal one large fact about the current state of public opinion on American [...]

Objectives Urban, low-income, African American children and parents report lower quality primary care and face negative social determinants of health. High-quality well-child care is critical for this population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to compare and contrast parent and health care provider experiences of well-child care for urban, low-income, African American families to better understand the complex factors involved in care quality and health outcomes. Methods Two data sets were analyzed using conventional content analysis, parent focus group data, and provider interviews. After analysis, results were sorted into similar categories, and convergence coding was completed to identify areas of agreement, partial agreement, dissonance, and silence. Results Thirty-five parents took part in four focus groups, and nine providers were interviewed. Following convergence coding, five categories and 31 subcategories were identified. The five categories included: social determinants of health, sources of advice and support, challenges with the healthcare system, parent-provider relationships, and anticipatory guidance topics. Conclusions for Practice Triangulation demonstrated convergence between parents and providers understanding of the concepts and functions of well-child care, however the prominence and meaning varied within each category and sub-category. The variance in agreement, areas of silence, and dissonance shed light on why the population reports lower overall quality primary care., Author(s): Kara S. Koschmann [sup.1] , Cynthia J. Peden-McAlpine [sup.2] , Mary Chesney [sup.2] , Susan M. Mason [sup.3] , Mary C. Hooke [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.264041.5, 0000 0000 [...]

Background During the initial COVID-19 pandemic, young United Kingdom (UK) kidney patients underwent lockdown and those with increased vulnerabilities socially isolated or 'shielded' at home. The experiences, information needs, decision-making and support needs of children and young adult (CYA) patients or their parents during this period is not well known. Methods A UK-wide online survey co-produced with patients was conducted in May 2020 amongst CYA aged 12-30, or parents of children aged < 18 years with any long-term kidney condition. Participants answered qualitative open text alongside quantitative closed questions. Thematic content analysis using a three-stage coding process was conducted. Results One-hundred and eighteen CYA (median age 21) and 197 parents of children (median age 10) responded. Predominant concerns from CYA were heightened vigilance about viral (68%) and kidney symptoms (77%) and detrimental impact on education or work opportunities (70%). Parents feared the virus more than CYA (71% vs. 40%), and had concerns that their child would catch the virus from them (64%) and would have an adverse impact on other children at home (65%). CYA thematic analysis revealed strong belief of becoming seriously ill if they contracted COVID-19; lost educational opportunities, socialisation and career development; and frustration with the public for not following social distancing rules. Positive outcomes included improved family relationships and community cohesion. Only a minority (14-21% CYA and 20-31% parents, merged questions) desired more support. Subgroup analysis identified greater negative psychological impact in the shielded group. Conclusions This survey demonstrates substantial concern and need for accurate tailored advice for CYA based on individualised risks to improve shared decision making. Graphical abstract, Author(s): Yincent Tse [sup.1] , Anne-Sophie E. Darlington [sup.2] , Kay Tyerman [sup.3] , Dean Wallace [sup.4] , Tanya Pankhurst [sup.5] , Sofia Chantziara [sup.2] , David Culliford [sup.6] , [...]

Introduction Early intervention (EI) services provide essential support to families of children with delays or disabilities. Children can enter EI via a variety of routes, though all begin with a referral, and for children who require additional services, subsequent referrals are generally warranted. The referral process may be complicated by rurality, but little is known about families' experiences with EI referrals in rural areas. This study focuses on better understanding rural families' perspectives of the EI referral process. Methods Families with children in Part C services throughout Montana (N = 30) were interviewed regarding their referral experiences. A layered analysis was used to analyze initial and subsequent referrals, and investigate families' experiences regarding the referral process. Results Families' reports regarding which professionals provided referrals and who they provided referrals to were diverse. As part of qualitative content analysis three themes emerged: 1) the referral process is both challenging and complex; 2) professionals facilitate connections; and, 3) some professionals may have misconceptions or misunderstandings. Some families discussed how aspects of rurality may have exacerbated the complexities and challenges of the EI referral process. Discussion Based on families' experiences, professional development related to when, how, and who to refer to EI services, and subsequent support of families during the referral process, may be of utmost importance. Furthermore, families discussed rurality in relationship to turnover rates, limited access to services or specialized knowledge, and travel distance required to receive services, demonstrating the importance of training and retaining rural EI professionals., Author(s): Kalli B. Decker [sup.1] , Emma R. Williams [sup.2] , Gina A. Cook [sup.3] , Makenzie M. Fry [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.41891.35, 0000 0001 2156 6108, College of [...]

The current study, based on a survey of 1799 parents, explored parental perspectives of school absence in relation to approved grades, challenges, demands and obstacles in education for children with autism spectrum disorder. The results revealed a relatively high rate of school absenteeism for reasons other than illness. Girls had higher rates of absenteeism than boys for short durations of absence. Absenteeism was primarily caused by a lack of teacher competence regarding autism and inadequate adaptation of teaching. There were no significant differences between genders in approved grades, but the rate of failure to achieve approved grades was approximately 50%. The most common form of educational support was support from special needs teachers and adapted pedagogy., Author(s): Lotta Anderson [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.32995.34, 0000 0000 9961 9487, Department of School Development and Leadership, Faculty of Education and Society, Malmö University, , Nordenskiöldsgatan 10, 205 06, [...]

Parents play a critical role in the early identification of ASD because of their experiential knowledge and frequent observations of their children. Being knowledgeable about ASD may help parents recognize early signs and symptoms, know to which professionals to express their concerns, and better navigate systems of care. An appropriate measure of ASD knowledge for parents is essential to further understand the importance of ASD knowledge in this population. This study sought to validate the Autism Spectrum Knowledge Scale-General Population Version (ASKSG) with a sample of parents with children under the age of 18 years in the United States. Results indicate that the ASKSG is a valid and reliable measure for use with parents., Author(s): Kandice J. Benallie [sup.1] , Maryellen Brunson McClain [sup.1] , Bryn Harris [sup.2] , Sarah E. Schwartz [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.53857.3c, 0000 0001 2185 8768, Utah State University, [...]

Objective This study aimed to understand parental decisions, perspectives, values, and beliefs on next generation sequencing in the newborn period (NGS-NBS) to inform the development of a decision aid to support parental decision making in the North Carolina Newborn Exome Sequencing for Universal Screening study. Methods We conducted dyadic interviews with 66 current or expectant parents (33 couples) to understand overall decisions about NGS-NBS and reasons for and against learning NGS-NBS results differing by age of onset and medical actionability. Audio recordings were transcribed, coded, and analyzed using qualitative framework analyses. Results Favorable views of NGS-NBS included benefits of early intervention, preparedness, child autonomy, and altruism. Unfavorable views were the potential negative effects from early intervention, psychosocial harm, and religious beliefs. Parents universally reported quality of life as important. Conclusion Interviews elucidated what is important in deciding to have NGS-NBS. Understanding parental perspectives, values, and beliefs and integrating evidence-based findings into a parent-centric decision aid provides value and support in making decisions related to NGS-NBS, where there is no clear course of action., Author(s): Rebecca R. Moultrie [sup.1] , Ryan Paquin [sup.1] , Christine Rini [sup.2] [sup.3] , Myra I. Roche [sup.4] [sup.5] , Jonathan S. Berg [sup.4] , Cynthia M. Powell [sup.4] [...]

Objective Parents' concerns about vaccine safety and side effects likely contribute to low rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among adolescents. To facilitate parent-provider discussions about the HPV vaccine, we developed and tested the content of a clinical decision support application for implementation in pediatric clinical settings. This study sought to elicit perspectives of parents and providers on the best way to communicate information on vaccine side effects. Methods To understand the acceptability of the application's content, we conducted focus groups with parents (n = 11) and providers (n = 9) at three primary care clinics. Focus groups transcriptions were analyzed using iterations of deductive and inductive coding, with independent coding by two trained reviewers to improve inter-rater reliability. Results Surprisingly, when parents reviewed screen shots of HPV vaccine safety and side effect messages, parents took exception to the expression 'no evidence of serious side effects'. Parents wanted side effects listed explicitly so they could decide for themselves which side effects were 'serious'. Parents also felt that the HPV vaccine did have serious side effects, and the wording undermined their trust in the vaccine messaging overall. Providers accepted the phrasing of side effects and did not express concerns that parents would object to the messaging. Conclusions Further research is needed to confirm parents' concerns with the phrasing 'no serious side effects' for the HPV vaccine and to assess the impact on HPV vaccination deferral or delay., Author(s): Ryan P. Theis [sup.1] [sup.3] , Brittny A. Wells [sup.2] , Stephanie A. S. Staras [sup.1] [sup.3] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.15276.37, 0000 0004 1936 8091, Department of Health Outcomes [...]

Providing support for the educational needs of students on the autism spectrum continues to be challenging. Findings from this survey of parents, teachers and specialist staff highlight the need for collaboration between stakeholders who support the education of these students. The main themes to emerge were for school staff to be equipped with the knowledge and expertise to support each student in their learning, and for support with social/emotional needs. Findings highlighted the need for a transparent process for building school capacity to translate research and knowledge into practice by all stakeholders. This collective voice is important to ensure the needs of these students are identified and that appropriate support is implemented to maximise the educational success of these students., Author(s): Beth Saggers [sup.1] [sup.2] , Megan Tones [sup.1] [sup.2] , Jacqueline Dunne [sup.1] [sup.2] , David Trembath [sup.2] [sup.3] , Susan Bruck [sup.2] [sup.4] [sup.5] , Amanda Webster [sup.2] [...]

This study examined the role of companion canines in the lives of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Interviews were conducted with 11 mothers of children with ASD (aged 5-12) who owned a canine companion in a multiple case study methodology. Transcript analysis revealed the emergence of five major themes, namely; love and companionship, perception of ownership, comfort and calming influence, canine's ability to assist the child with understanding their world, and challenging experiences. The social and emotional benefits of companion canine ownership were observed in the majority of cases, particularly when the canine was the preferred companion animal and possessed an appropriate temperament suitable to cohabit with children who possess unique social and sensory needs., Author(s): Caitlin Harwood [sup.1] , Elizabeth Kaczmarek [sup.1] , Deirdre Drake [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (Aff1) 0000 0004 0389 4302, grid.1038.a, School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University, , 270 [...]

ALL FOUR SECTORS IN K-12 EDUCATION COMPETE for the support of their customers--that is, the parents of their prospective students. Those parents have more choices today than in decades past: [...]