University Students’ Experiences as Volunteers in Hospitals for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Their Families: “Be My Hospital Friend”

Abstract

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) routinely visit healthcareinstitutions for medical examinations. Hospital visits can be a difficult experiencebecause of core challenges of ASD, a general lack, or low level, of ASD knowledge among healthcare providers and lack of volunteer services. This study investigatesresults of a program developed to overcome these problems. The program under thename of “Be My Hospital Friend” aimed to encourage university students to engagein volunteer services in health issues. The purpose of this qualitative study was todescribe the experiences of participants via reflections. Also, student’s levels ofASD knowledge were examined. The results show that the program was beneficialfor participants’ ASD knowledge and personal development. The results discussedin terms of implications for research and practices.