Hilton, Katie-Lee (2015) Disability Support Workers experiences with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Thematic Analysis. Honours thesis, University of Southern Queensland. (Unpublished)
Abstract
In Australia alone approximately 0.5% (115,400) of the population has been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). It is statistics like this that has served as a rationale for the employment of Disability Support Workers in a variety of different settings. A Disability Support Worker is someone employed, either privately or through an organisation, to support individuals with disabilities to become more independent. In order to increase the level of support individuals with ASD receive from Disability Support Workers, the current level of support needs to be explored. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the experiences of Disability Support Workers while working with individuals diagnosed with ASD. Three participants, who are either currently or have been, employed as a Disability Support Worker participated in an online focus group to discuss their experiences working with individuals with ASD. The transcript of the online focus group was analysed using thematic analysis, as described by Braun and Clarke (2006). Four main themes were identified; More than just a label/individualism, challenges and rewards of the job, overing coming challenges and support worker goals. Looking into the experiences of Disability Support Workers provides a starting point, in which new ways to improve the level of care provided to individuals with ASD, can be explored. Further investigation into the strategies and training techniques required to begin working towards this increased level of care is warranted.
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| Item Type: | Thesis (Non-Research) (Honours) |
|---|---|
| Item Status: | Live Archive |
| Additional Information: | Current UniSQ staff and students can request access to this thesis. Please email research.repository@unisq.edu.au with a subject line of SEAR thesis request and provide: Name of the thesis requested and Your name and UniSQ email address |
| Faculty/School / Institute/Centre: | Historic - Faculty of Health, Engineering and Sciences - School of Psychology and Counselling (1 Jan 2015 - 31 Dec 2021) |
| Supervisors: | Charlotte Brownlow |
| Qualification: | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| Date Deposited: | 26 Aug 2025 23:53 |
| Last Modified: | 26 Aug 2025 23:53 |
| Fields of Research (2008): | 17 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 1799 Other Psychology and Cognitive Sciences > 179999 Psychology and Cognitive Sciences not elsewhere classified |
| Fields of Research (2020): | 52 PSYCHOLOGY > 5299 Other psychology > 529999 Other psychology not elsewhere classified |
| URI: | https://sear.unisq.edu.au/id/eprint/52414 |
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