A Qualitative Analysis of Unintentional Injuries in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Casie H. Morgan; Alecia Mercier; Brianna Stein; Kristi Carter Guest; Sarah E. O'Kelley; David C. Schwebel

doi:10.1007/s10803-025-06729-8

Back

A Qualitative Analysis of Unintentional Injuries in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Journal article

Peer reviewed

A Qualitative Analysis of Unintentional Injuries in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Casie H. Morgan, Alecia Mercier, Brianna Stein, Kristi Carter Guest, Sarah E. O'Kelley and David C. Schwebel

Journal of autism and developmental disorders

01/27/2025

DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-06729-8

PMCID: PMC12301987

PMID: 39869274

Files and links (1)

url

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12301987/View

Open Access

Abstract

PurposePrior research demonstrates that children with autism are more likely to experience unintentional injuries than the general population. Limited research exists on the symptoms or traits directly related to autism and this elevated injury rate, especially from the perspective of families with children with autism. This study used qualitative methodology to elucidate risk factors that may contribute to unintentional injuries in children with autism from the perspective of mothers raising children with autism.MethodsParticipants included 15 mothers reporting on their children with autism. The mothers engaged in a semi-structured qualitative interview consisting of questions related to child characteristics, injury concerns and experiences, injury prevention strategies and resources, and safety behaviors. Interviews were transcribed and coded in NVivo following a systematic, deductive approach.ResultsInjury risk and concern among mothers was generally related to both the diagnostic and associated features of ASD as well as commonly co-occurring behaviors or disorders. Mothers reported that deficits in social communication and social interaction, plus restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, contributed to increased unintentional injury risk. Additionally, mothers reported that general developmental differences and behavior during play or exploration increased risk of injury.ConclusionsBy considering the lived experiences of families of children with autism, this study reveals that specific diagnostic features, associated features, and other behaviors often co-occurring with autism underlie parental perceptions of increased risk of and concern for unintentional injury in children with autism. These findings guide where intervention is needed and inform development of evidence-based, practical safety interventions.

Psychology

Social Sciences

Psychology, Developmental

Details

Title: Subtitle: A Qualitative Analysis of Unintentional Injuries in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Creators: Casie H. Morgan - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alecia Mercier - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Brianna Stein - University of Alabama
Kristi Carter Guest - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Sarah E. O'Kelley - University of Alabama
David C. Schwebel - University of Alabama at Birmingham
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Journal of autism and developmental disorders
DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-06729-8
PMID: 39869274
PMCID: PMC12301987
NLM abbreviation: J Autism Dev Disord
ISSN: 0162-3257
eISSN: 1573-3432
Publisher: Springer Nature
Number of pages: 12
Grant note: NIMH; United States Department of Health & Human Services; National Institutes of Health (NIH) - USA; NIH National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 01/27/2025
Academic Unit: Research Administration
Record Identifier: 9984949456502771

Metrics

4 Record Views