Autistic and autism community perspectives on infant and family support in the first two years of life: Findings from a community consultation survey.

The sample was non-representative, consisting predominantly of university-educated participants from Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Perspectives from lower/middle-income countries and other cultural backgrounds were not captured. Respondents were predominantly female, and the online format likely excluded non-speaking Autistic adults and Autistic children. The survey asked participants to rate abstract features of support rather than a specific named programme, meaning responses relied on individual perceptions of what those features entailed. There was substantial variability in responses within both Autistic and non-Autistic groups, indicating no single 'community view' on specific strategies like reinforcement.

Several authors have been involved in the development or evaluation of support programmes for young Autistic children. Two authors receive royalties from training related to a specific support model. Multiple authors are or have been employed by service providers supporting young Autistic children. These conflicts were managed by engaging researchers and community members with no known conflicts of interest. Funding was provided by the International Society for Autism Research and La Trobe University.

Do not interpret the high agreement on 'parent-mediated' and 'environmental' support as evidence that these methods improve infant developmental outcomes. This study reports community preferences and acceptability, not efficacy. The mixed findings on reinforcement and pausing reflect a debate about the ethics and experience of these techniques, not their clinical effectiveness.