Research Article  |   September 2015
Content Analysis of Qualitative Research on Children and Youth With Autism, 1993–2011: Considerations for Occupational Therapy Services
Yvonne Swinth; George Tomlin; Marge Luthman
Author Affiliations
  • Yvonne Swinth, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor and Director, School of Occupational Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA; yswinth@pugetsound.edu
  • George Tomlin, PhD, OTR/L, is Professor, School of Occupational Therapy, University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
  • Marge Luthman, MS, OT/L, is Clinical Educator and Senior Staff Therapist, Children’s Therapy Center, Tacoma, WA
Article Information
Autism/Autism Spectrum Disorder / Pediatric Evaluation and Intervention / Special Issue on Autism: Research Articles
Research Article   |   September 2015
Content Analysis of Qualitative Research on Children and Youth With Autism, 1993–2011: Considerations for Occupational Therapy Services
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September 2015, Vol. 69, 6905185030p1-6905185030p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.017970
American Journal of Occupational Therapy, September 2015, Vol. 69, 6905185030p1-6905185030p9. doi:10.5014/ajot.2015.017970
Abstract

OBJECTIVE. Through a content analysis of qualitative research published 1993–2011, we sought to determine how qualitative research can inform clinical reasoning among occupational therapy practitioners to support evidence-based, occupation-focused services for children and youth with autism and their families.

METHOD. A qualitative literature search of journals inside and outside occupational therapy, including international journals, yielded 125 articles. We reviewed 110 articles that met inclusion criteria, 79 of which were coded by four occupational therapists with experience working with families with a child or youth with autism.

RESULTS. Nineteen content codes were initially derived. Three themes were identified: (1) service challenges for the family, (2) day-to-day experience of autism, and (3) reframing family.

CONCLUSION. This content analysis illustrates how qualitative research may help occupational therapy practitioners make comprehensive, occupation-based intervention decisions by considering the lived experience of children and youth with autism and their families.