Serrano Fernández, LauraSerrano Fernández, LauraHenao Campo, DanielaHenao Campo, DanielaVela Llauradó, EstherMartín Martínez, LauraMartín Martínez, Laura2026-01-042026-01-042025-04Serrano Fernández, L, Henao Campo, D, Vela Llauradó, E & Martín Martínez, L 2025, 'Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder : A comprehensive analysis of family needs', Acta Psychologica, vol. 254, 104786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.1047860001-6918https://hdl.handle.net/10641/6956Publisher Copyright: © 2025 The AuthorsEste estudio explora las necesidades percibidas de las familias con miembros en edad escolar diagnosticados de trastorno del espectro autista (TEA) en la Comunidad de Madrid, España. Mediante un diseño no experimental de método mixto, la investigación evaluó las necesidades clave en varias dimensiones, incluyendo información, apoyo familiar y social, ayuda económica, cuidado del miembro con TEA, apoyo profesional y servicios comunitarios. Los resultados indican que las familias experimentan necesidades significativamente elevadas, y la información y el apoyo educativo emergen como los más críticos. Sin embargo, no se encontraron correlaciones estadísticamente significativas entre el nivel de dependencia o la edad del miembro con TEA y el índice global de necesidades familiares. El análisis cualitativo adicional reveló que las familias priorizan el acceso a recursos educativos y profesionales adecuados, junto con el apoyo emocional y social. Estos hallazgos ponen de relieve la urgente necesidad de desarrollar políticas inclusivas y estrategias integrales de apoyo para aliviar la carga que soportan las familias que cuidan a personas con TEA. [Traducción automática al español; idioma original: inglés.]This study explores the perceived needs of families with school-aged members diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Community of Madrid, Spain. Using a non-experimental, mixed-method design, the research assessed key needs across various dimensions, including information, family and social support, financial assistance, caregiving for the member with ASD, professional support, and community services. The results indicate that families experience significantly elevated needs, with information and educational support emerging as the most critical. However, no statistically significant correlations were found between the level of dependency or the age of the member with ASD and the overall family needs index. Additional qualitative analysis revealed that families prioritize access to adequate educational and professional resources, along with emotional and social support. These findings highlight the urgent need to develop inclusive policies and comprehensive support strategies to alleviate the burdens faced by families caring for individuals with ASD.9622864enghttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)Family needsFamily supportParentingExperimental and Cognitive PsychologyDevelopmental and Educational PsychologyArts and Humanities (miscellaneous)Journal ArticleYesyesjournal articleopen access10.1016/j.actpsy.2025.104786https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85217371408https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/85217371408#tab=citedBy