QUALITATIVE STUDY OF FAMILY PRIMARY CAREGIVERS’ PERCEPTION OF TRANSITION READINESS IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Abstract Objectives To investigate the cognition of primary family caregivers regarding preparation for the transition of children with autism, and to provide reference for family care intervention in transition preparation. Methods Using the descriptive research method, 14 primary caregivers of children with autism were selected as research objects by purpose sampling method. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted, and the data were analyzed and themes were extracted by content analysis method. Results A total of 2 themes and 8 subthemes were extracted: Barriers to transition readiness (insufficient awareness of transition readiness, parents taking too much responsibility for disease management, disease factors of children, lack of relevant knowledge training resources, lack of family and social support), and promoting factors of transition readiness (strong willingness of primary caregivers to transition readiness, family and peer support, medical and environmental support). Conclusion Transition readiness is very necessary for children with autism, but the lack of awareness and skills of transition preparedness among primary caregivers in the family leads to many obstacles in carrying out intervention. The medical nursing staff should guide the primary caregivers to participate in the transition correctly, construct the transition system, implement the transition preparation, and guide the primary caregivers to help the children transition smoothly.