Supporting Families of Children Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing with an Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing (Deaf/HH) with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience many frustrations and challenges in the identification of ASD, accessing supports and services to address all of their child's needs, and identifying networking and support opportunities with other families with children with similar needs. Professionals working with families are in a unique position to help navigate the often disconnected systems of services for children who are Deaf/HH and services for children with ASD. This article poses some possible strategies that professionals can implement in practice when working with children who are Deaf/HH with an ASD.

Keywords

Family support - autism spectrum disorder - deaf/hard of hearing

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