Utilizing Social Networks to Analyze Needs of Caregivers of Autistic Individuals

Ly, Rebecca

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/73693 Copy

Description

Title

Utilizing Social Networks to Analyze Needs of Caregivers of Autistic Individuals

Author(s)

Ly, Rebecca

Issue Date

2015-03-15

Keyword(s)

• communication studies
• qualitative research methods
• social media

Abstract

With an increasing number of Individuals with Intellectual Disorders (IID), there is a building concern about the amount of resources available for the families affected. The focus of this research is on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). According to the Center for Disease Control, the prevalence rates have nearly doubled within the last century. This study aims to study what trends are prevalent among caregivers of autistic individuals in terms of why they resort to social networks. This study was conducted by observing an online forum through the social network, Facebook, and collecting a set of one-hundred randomized posts over a time span of thirty-days. Results concluded that families, especially parents, faced risk of psychological distress resulting from isolation and confusion. This has the potential to become a primary avenue for communication within health care industries and families with IID. Future implications of this study regards the importance of social networks in communicating with patients with future research needed in the area of mobile health networks.

Publisher

iSchools

Series/Report Name or Number

iConference 2015 Proceedings

Type of Resource

text

Language

English

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/73693

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Copyright 2015 is held by the authors. Copyright permissions, when appropriate, must be obtained directly from the authors.

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