Māori perspectives of Autistic Spectrum Disorder

This research investigated Māori perspectives of Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). After gaining ethical approval for the study, an Advisory Group was consulted about appropriate questions and processes. Prospective participants were identified by paediatricians, Group Special Education (GSE) staff and the researcher's own networks. All those contacted agreed to participate and subsequently face-to-face interviews were conducted with the parents and whānau of 19 Māori children with ASD. People were asked to share their experiences of raising their children, to comment on what had been helpful and unhelpful over the years and to make suggestions for future improvements to services. Participants all lived in the central and lower North Island region. The children involved included five preschoolers, nine primary school children and five who attended secondary school.