Unmet needs of families of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Background: To aid decision making regarding the allocation of limited resources, information is needed on the perceived unmet needs of parents of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted of 101 Canadian families of school-aged children with an autism spectrum disorder.

Results: Commonly reported unmet needs were for social activities for the child (78.2%), information about services (77.2%) and continuous service provision (74.3%).

Conclusions: This study provides insight into needs which have not been met by the service system. Information about the unmet needs of children with an autism spectrum disorder and their families may help policy makers and service providers to develop resources and services that are responsive to their client group.