Understanding the intentions of families with a child with autism to participate in a family recreation program: A pilot study

Authors

  • Jasmine Townsend, PhD, CTRS
  • Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2013.0036

Keywords:

family recreation, autism, leisure attitudes, reasoned action approach, recreational therapy

Abstract

Family systems theory and the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning are useful frameworks that can provide guidance in the development of family recreation services for families with children with autism. These families may experience positive and successful outcomes from family leisure participation, yet few family recreation programs exist that can appropriately accommodate their needs. A Web-based study was conducted following the principles of the reasoned action approach to understand the beliefs and intentions surrounding participation in a family recreation program. Findings revealed that families have high intentions to participate, as well as positive attitudes toward participation. This information can prove useful to recreational therapy service providers as they consider developing family services.

Author Biographies

Jasmine Townsend, PhD, CTRS

Department of Health, Exercise Science, and Recreation Management, University of Mississippi, University, Mississippi.

Marieke Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS

Associate Professor, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina.

References

Orthner D: Strengthening today’s families: A challenge to parks and recreation. Park Recreation. 1998; 33(3):87-98.

Townsend J, Zabriskie R: Family leisure among families with a child in mental health treatment: Therapeutic recreation implications. Ther Recreation J. 2010; 44(1): 11-34.

Freeman P, Zabriskie R: Leisure and family functioning in adoptive families: Implications for therapeutic recreation. Ther Recreation J. 2003; 37(1): 73-93.

Klein DM, White JM: The systems framework. In: Klein DM, White JM, eds. Family Theories: An Introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, 1996: 117-142.

Zabriskie R, McCormick B: The influences of family leisure patterns on perceptions of family functioning. Fam Relat. 2001; 50(3): 281-289.

Townsend J, Van Puymbroeck M, Zabriskie R: A Meta-Synthesis of the Core and Balance Model of Family Leisure Functioning. Bloomington, IN: Indiana University, 2011.

Zabriskie R, Freeman P: Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among transracial adoptive families. Adop Quart. 2004; 7(3): 49-77.

Smith K, Freeman P, Zabriskie R: An examination of family communication within the core and balance model of family leisure functioning. Fam Relat. 2009; 58(1): 79-90.

Agate J, Zabriskie R, Agate S, et al.: Family leisure satisfaction and satisfaction with family life. J Leis Res. 2009; 41(2): 205-223.

Lerner-Baron S: Family vacations and leisure time. In: Gabriels R, Hill D, eds. Growing Up With Autism: Working With School-Age Children and Adolescents. New York: Guildord Press, 2007: 183-202.

Dodd D, Zabriskie R, Widmer M, et al.: Contributions of family leisure to family functioning among families that include children with developmental disabilities. J Leis Res. 2009; 41(2): 261-286.

Scholl K, McAvoy L, Rynders J, et al.: The influence of an inclusive outdoor recreation experience on families that have a child with a disability. Ther Recreation J. 2003; 37(1): 38-57.

Larson E: Caregiving and autism: How does children’s propensity for routinization influence participation in family activities? OTJR: Occupation Participation Health. 2006; 26(2): 69-79.

Mactavish JB, Schleien S: Playing together growing together: Parents’ perspectives on the benefits of family recreation in families that include children with a developmental disability. Ther Recreation J. 1998; 32(3): 207-230.

Bristol M: Designing programs for young developmentally disabled children: A family systems approach to autism. Rem Spec Educ. 1985; 6(4): 46.

Townsend J: National Ability Center Needs Assessment Executive Summary: Family Recreation Services for Families With Children With Autism “If You Build It, They Will Come.” Park City, UT: National Ability Center, 2010.

Fishbein M, Ajzen I: Predicting and Changing Behavior: The Reasoned Action Approach. New York, NY: Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2010.

Ajzen I, Madden T: Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions and perceived behavioral control. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1986; 22: 453-474.

Fishbein M: A reasoned action approach to health promotion. Med Decis Making. 2008; 28: 834-844.

Francis J, Eccles M, Johnston M, et al.: Constructing Questionnaires Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Manual for Health Services Researchers. United Kingdom: Centre for Health Services Research, 2004.

Cohen J: Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences, 2nd ed. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Earlbaum Associates, 1988.

Austin D: Therapeutic Recreation Processes and Techniques, 6th ed. Urbana, IL: Sagamore Publishing, LLC, 2009.

Thornock H: A Proposal for Creating a Recreation Guide for People With Disabilities and Their Families. Logan, UT: Utah State Univeristy, 2003: 1-36.

Published

01/01/2013

How to Cite

Townsend, PhD, CTRS, J., & Van Puymbroeck, PhD, CTRS, M. (2013). Understanding the intentions of families with a child with autism to participate in a family recreation program: A pilot study. American Journal of Recreation Therapy, 12(1), 16–22. https://doi.org/10.5055/ajrt.2013.0036

Issue

Section

Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)

1 2 > >>