‘‘They will listen to the expert, but not to the parent”: Listening to the stories of parents who actively advocate for their child’s Autism Assessment.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to explore parents’ experiences of advocating for their child’s autism assessment. An ontological lens recognising that there are multiple realities which are co-constructed is employed, accepting that epistemologically there is a need for interpretation. Thus, a social constructionist position is adopted with the intention of listening to the stories of parents based upon their lived experiences. Unstructured interviews were conducted and analysed using a thematic analysis approach entrenched within narrative and humanist values. By focussing upon what was said and appreciating parents as agentic beings I recognised their stories as a representation of their lived experiences. The literature provides a multitude of discourses for and against the diagnosis of Autism. Furthermore, research identifies the difficulties and complexities of receiving an Autism diagnosis. I hope through this journey of exploration and the subsequent body of work I have produced I can maintain the authenticity and integrity of the narrators and their stories. Inevitably I hope, framed by my admiration of positive psychology, that the sharing of the narrators’ experiences may allow for: continued discussion, reflection, and empathy upon individuals, more specifically parents, varied positions regarding the Autism assessment and diagnostic process. I end with a quote which encapsulates how I appreciate the unique and privileged position I hold in being the audience for the narrator’s stories. “If our preferred story of who we are remains only a conversation in our own head, it will not have the sense of being ‘real’. This sense of ‘realness’ or ‘authenticity’ only comes when our preferred stories are witnessed and responded to by a significant audience.” Carey & Russell (2003, p3). Carey, M. & Russell, S. (2003). Outsider-witness practices: some answers to commonly asked questions. Last accessed at https://narrativepractices.com.au/attach/pdf/Outsider_Witness_Common_Questions.pdf Methodology: Narrative, thematic analysis, unstructured interviews, constructivist/interpretivist lens