De invloed van betrokkenen rondom een persoon met een autisme spectrum stoornis en een verstandelijke beperking

Abstract
Sensory processing problems seem to be common to autism spectrum disorders. There is little available literature that focuses on sensory processing problems for people with an autism spectrum disorder and an intellectual disability. The project ‘Sensatie van een Goed Leven’ explores the sensory processing problems for this group of people. This research is in line with the project by exploring the influence of persons concerned with the individual with autism and an intellectual disability on the sensory processing problems. The ecological system theory of Bronfenbrenner states that the nearest people concerned with the individual, named ‘the microsystem’, are of great influence due to the continue interplay between them and the individual. This research explores this ‘system’ on a qualitative base by making use of semi-structured interviews with parents, relatives, psychological counsellors, teachers and experiential experts. Fifteen respondents answered questions about the sensory processing problems, it’s difficulties and the tools for handling those problems within their context. The interviews also included questions about the time course and the differences between the concerned people and contexts. The interviews are processed, coded and analyzed by hand. The results show that there are substantial differences between the sensory processing problems, between people concerned with the individual and between contexts. It is hard to determine if these people cause the differences. Proper communication and cooperation between the people concerned with the individual may resolve these differences and may create an ideal situation for the individual in question. It is recommended to involve the persons around the individual in exploring the sensory processing problems because they are of great value to amplify the insight in these problems.