Grandparents of Children with Autism: A Review with Recommendations for Education, Practice, and Policy

2007/05/17 by Jennifer Hillman · 1 voice · 5 citations
Medicine · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues #Family and Disability Support Research #Intergenerational Family Dynamics and Caregiving

paper · doi:10.1080/03601270701328425

openalex publication_date 2007/05/17 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

One in 166 grandparents will become grandparent to a child with autism. A review of empirical studies suggests that these grandparents experience significant role confusion. They provide the autistic child's parents—who are more likely to be depressed, single, or divorced—with both burden (e.g., conflict regarding behavioral symptoms) and emotional and instrumental support (e.g., childcare; financial assistance; advocacy). Unique stressors of autism upon families include social isolation and financial burden. Custodial grandparents face additional stressors. Opportunities for education, practice, and policy that are designed to help grandparents redefine their role, share in the diagnosis and treatment of autism, and obtain social support are advanced.

Citations

• Families in a state of flux: the experience of grandparents in autism spectrum disorder

Cited by

• Apoios e relações entre mães e avós de crianças com deficiência: falando sobre solidariedade intergeracional familiar
• The Role of Grandparents in Supporting Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Family Systems Approach
• Childhood Autism and Proactive Family Coping: Intergenerational Perspectives
• Grandparents’ Experience of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Identifying Primary Themes and Needs
• Needs of Grandparents of Preschool-Aged Children with ASD in Sweden

Discussions

• Research study 2: In 1997, Glasberg and Harris found that parents and grandparents shared closely related views of the autistic child. Maternal grandmothers were most familiar with their grandchild an [bsky, 0 points, 0 comments]