The survey was voluntary and the link was shared only through social media. I did not receive as many completed surveys as I would have liked. The reason for conducting the short survey was to guide my research/position paper, it was not to conclusively prove medical needs. There were only 25 participants but I hope as you see the results that a majority of the parents had to do their own research to help their children. Very few parents had alternative treatments suggested by medical providers.
Question 1: What alternative treatments do you use? Answers: 42% indicated they use gluten free / casein free diets with vitamin regimens 37% indicated they use other alternative treatments such as no food dye, high fructose corn syrup, additionally took soy out with gluten and dairy. 21% Use only a specific vitamin regimen Question 2: How long has your child been on the alternative treatment? Answers: 96% have been on the diet for over 6 months 4% Less than one month Question 3: Have these dietary changes provided positive changes? Answers: 67% indicated yes 33% indicated no Question 4: Was not asked in a way that would provide multiple answers (my fault) but the question asked what symptoms lessened, if any? Parents indicated that social anxiety, tics, depression, better sleep, constipation etc. Personally for my son a GFCF diet helped relieve multiple symptoms. Question 5: Who suggested these dietary treatments for your child? Answers: Pediatrician 13% Psychiatrist/ Psychologist 4% Dietitian/Nutritionist 8% Family member 4% My own personal research 71% Question 6: Do your child's healthcare providers support the dietary changes? Answers: Yes 50% No 13% They do not believe it makes a difference 37 Question 7: Do you wish you had more support from health professionals? Answers: Yes 75% No 25% The most important items driving me from the results are that a clear majority of parents had to do their own research to get help for their children and the same amount wish they had more support from their healthcare providers. Parents are given a diagnosis of autism but afterwards help is not as readily available, which leaves parents to their own devices to do their own research.
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AuthorSpecial Education major in a university teaching program. Substitute teacher, previous homeschool mom, wife. Archives
September 2019
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