How does an autism diagnosis impact a child and their carer in regional Australia?

Aim: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. This study aims to investigate the impact of an ASD diagnosis on children and their carers from a regional/rural Australian perspective.

Methods: A three-part survey development study included: (i) Semi-structured individual ASD carer interviews to identify common themes; (ii) survey development and testing; and (iii) online survey circulation to wider group of carers, for data collection and analysis.