Topics for: Participation of children with autism spectrum disorder in everyday activities: self-reports and primary caregivers’ proxy-reports

When a child with ASD is able to self-report, how should parents and professionals prioritize their perspective? Discuss the importance of listening to the child's feelings and preferences regarding activities, even when it conflicts with the caregiver's goal or perception of "successful" participation.

Focus on practical strategies to help children with ASD successfully participate in a wider range of everyday activities (e.g., self-care, chores, play, social interaction). Share specific tips, visual supports, or environmental modifications that have worked well at home or in the community.

Discuss the discrepancies between a child with ASD's self-report of their activity (e.g., "I played all afternoon") and their caregiver's proxy-report (e.g., "They only played with one toy for hours"). Why do these differences happen, and what does the gap tell us about the child's experience versus their actual participation?