scholarly journals A CROSS-SECTIONAL SURVEY ON COPING BEHAVIOR OF PAKISTANI PARENTS WITH A CHILD DIAGNOSED AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
Arwa Quaid

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Number of studies reported that most of the parents of children with developmental disabilities such as Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are suffering from stress, anger, guilt and depression Either they not aware of the coping strategies or are in denial with self-condition, this led to adverse effects on parent’s quality of life, relationship with each other and children. This study aims to discover the coping strategy that parents are following to overcome their emotional disturbance for being parent of child with ASD. METHODOLOGY A cross-sectional survey was responded by parents of children with ASD, enrolled via convenient sampling technique. The data was collected through a standardized questionnaire BREF-COPE, formulated in Google Docs, distributed via email or WhatsApp group. RESULTS A total number of 150 participants were enrolled in the study that included 74.2% of as primary care givers (mean age: 32.2±10.6 years) and their respective autistic children (mean age: 7.1±4.4 years). Results revealed 51.6% parents usually concentrate on their efforts with their children while 64.5% understand the reality of situation. Surprisingly, 12.9% consume alcohol or take antidepressant drugs while majority seeks emotional support from others to make them better. Overall, only 16.1% are able to implement coping strategies in their routines. CONCLUSION It was concluded that there is an intense need to introduce parent support group for better catharsis and inculcation of positive coping strategies among parents of children diagnosed with ASD.

Author(s):  
Jean-François Lemay ◽  
Shauna Langenberger ◽  
Scott McLeod

Abstract Background The Alberta Children’s Hospital-Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Clinic (ACH-ASDC) was restructured due to long wait times and unsustainable clinic workflow. Major changes included the initiation of pre- and post-ASD parent education sessions and distinct ASD screening appointments before the ASD diagnostic appointment. Methods We conducted a parental program evaluation in summer 2018 of the ACH-ASDC. We used a cross-sectional survey to evaluate key outcomes including parental satisfaction, and the percentage of families obtaining access to government supports and early intervention programs. Results For the 101 eligible patients diagnosed with ASD under 36 months of age 70 (69.3%) parents agreed to participate. The mean diagnostic age of the children diagnosed with ASD was 30.6 months (SD=4.1 months). There were no statistically significant age differences between biological sexes. Ninety-three per cent of parents felt that ASD educational sessions were useful, and 92% of parents were satisfied to very satisfied with the overall ASD diagnostic process. Ninety per cent of parents had access to at least one of the key resources available for ASD early intervention in our province following diagnosis. Parents reported a positive impact on intervention provided to their child in the areas of communication, social interaction, and behaviour. Conclusion Parents of children diagnosed with ASD expressed a high level of satisfaction with the restructured ACH-ASDC process. Implementing parent education sessions was well received and met parents’ needs. Parents were able to access intervention services following diagnosis and reported positive impacts for their child. Re-envisioning program approaches to incorporate novel strategies to support families should be encouraged.


2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (46) ◽  
pp. 2700-2704
Author(s):  
Ardhanaari M ◽  
Ashweeja N ◽  
Prashant Jain ◽  
Karthigai Priya ◽  
Nappinnai N.R

BACKGROUND Autism is one of the most demanding types of disorders in terms of caregiver’s intervention. A significant amount of distress is always associated with a long term, pervasive intervention and attention given by the care giver. The above scenario leads to depression, adjustment disorder along with suicidal tendencies among the care givers leading to poor prognosis of the disease progress in children and emergence of stress related mental illness in the care givers. Pro-active assessment, diagnosis and management of the above among the care givers might be beneficial for both the child and the care giver along with other family members. METHODS This study was conducted in the special schools of Kancheepuram from December 2019 to February 2020. The cross-sectional study aimed to assess caregiver burden and the variations of burden with varying social and language development in parents of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). A total of 60 parents whose children were diagnosed to have Autism Spectrum Disorders were assessed to scale the caregiver burden using Burden Assessment Schedule, and semi structured socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS Majority of the caregivers showed an impact on multiple areas of life. 59 % of the caregivers showed significant impact on wellbeing with 84 % feeling depressed and anxious. Lack of appreciation for care was seen in 85 % of the caregivers. Relationship with others was very much impacted in about 14 % of the caregivers. Perceived severity of illness was impacted in 53 % population. CONCLUSIONS Bringing up a child with an autism spectrum disorder is a significant chronic stressor sufficient to disrupt various areas of an adult life and also to cause mental illnesses. Early recognition and management of burden is of immense value in the wellbeing of the caregiver, more importantly in the prognosis of the child’s disorder. KEYWORDS Autism Spectrum Disorder, Caregiver Burden Assessment, Caregiver Burnout


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-189
Author(s):  
Shrijana Pandey ◽  
Chandrakala Sharma

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects children and results in deficit in social interaction, communication and display of unusual pattern of behavior. Though caregiving is a normal parental duty, providing intensive care to a child with long-term problem is burdensome and impacts both physical and mental health of caregivers. The aim of this study was to obtain a picture of burden among caregivers raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the burden of caregiving among sixty one parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, using purposive sampling technique. The burden perceived by caregivers was assessed using standard tool Zarit Burden Interview-22.Results: Average burden score was 41.49±12.25 which indicates that caregivers experienced moderate to severe range of burden. Level of education, anxiety and depression was found to be significantly associated with burden of caregiving.Conclusions: The study concluded that the burden of caregiving is most remarkably associated with emotional status and social life of the caregivers.Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); caregiver burden; Nepal; zarit burden Interview.


Autism ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 515-525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Connor M Kerns ◽  
Steven J Berkowitz ◽  
Lauren J Moskowitz ◽  
Amy Drahota ◽  
Matthew D Lerner ◽  
...  

Using a cross-sectional survey of 673 multidisciplinary autism spectrum disorder providers recruited from five different sites in the United States, we examined the frequency with which community-based providers inquire about, screen, and treat trauma-related symptoms in their patients/students and assessed their perceptions regarding the need for and barriers to providing these services. Univariate and bivariate frequencies of self-reported trauma service provision, training needs, and barriers were estimated. Multivariable logistic regressions identified provider and patient-related factors associated with trauma-related symptoms screening and treatment. Over 50% of providers reported some screening and treatment of trauma-related symptoms in youth with autism spectrum disorder. Over 70% informally inquired about trauma-related symptoms; only 10% universally screened. Screening and treatment varied by provider discipline, setting, amount of interaction, and years of experience with autism spectrum disorder, as well as by patient/student sex, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status. Most providers agreed that trauma screening is a needed service impeded by inadequate provider training in trauma identification and treatment. The findings indicate that community providers in the United States of varied disciplines are assessing and treating trauma-related symptoms in youth with autism spectrum disorder, and that evidence-based approaches are needed to inform and maximize these efforts.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-37
Author(s):  
Md Enayet Karim ◽  
Gopi Kanta Roy ◽  
Ramendra Kumar Singha Royle ◽  
Gopal Sankar Dey

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neuro-developmental disorder and a lifelong condition which has considerable impact on parents. Various psychiatric conditions are common in mothers of ASD children including depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling of social isolation and high social anxiety. The objective of the study was to evaluate the presence of depression in mothers of ASD children in comparison with mothers of normally developing children. This was a cross-sectional, comparative and analytical study carried out in the outpatient department of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Shishu Bikash Kendro of Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital Sylhet, Bangladesh during the period from 1st January 2015 to 31st December 2015. A total of 75 mothers of ASD children were selected by convenient sampling technique and grouped as group A. Another 75 age matched mothers of normally developing children were recruited and grouped as group B. Depression was assessed primarily by using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Those who scored 10 or above points, were evaluated further by mental state examination and DSM 5 criteria. The results showed that, depressive disorder was present in 31 (41.3%) mothers of ASD children and 12 (16.0%) mothers of normally developing children. Significantly higher rate of depressive disorder was present in mothers of ASD children than that of mothers of normally developing children (p=0.001). These findings concluded that the proportion of depressive disorders was higher and statistically significant. Bang J Psychiatry December 2017; 31(2): 32-37


2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shrijana Pandey ◽  
Chandrakala Sharma

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong developmental disorder that affects children and results in deficit in social interaction, communication and display of unusual pattern of behavior. Though caregiving is a normal parental duty, providing intensive care to a child with long-term problem is burdensome and impacts both physical and mental health of caregivers. The aim of this study was to obtain a picture of burden among caregivers raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the burden of caregiving among sixty one parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, using purposive sampling technique. The burden perceived by caregivers was assessed using standard tool Zarit Burden Interview-22.Results:  Average burden score was 41.49±12.25 which indicates that caregivers experienced moderate to severe range of burden. Level of education, anxiety and depression was found to be significantly associated with burden of caregiving.Conclusions: The study concluded that the burden of caregiving is most remarkably associated with emotional status and social life of the caregivers.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad H Rahbar ◽  
Iuliana Dobrescu ◽  
Shezeen Gillani ◽  
Manouchehr Hessabi ◽  
Sori Kim ◽  
...  

Abstract Background An inadequate level of general knowledge of physicians regarding mental health, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) not only could have adverse effects on affected individuals’ health and quality of life, but also could further delay its diagnosis and initiation of timely interventions. The purpose of this survey was to assess the level of knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of physicians regarding ASD in Romania and identify their associated factors. Methods For conducting this cross-sectional survey, investigators in the US collaborated with faculty at “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy (UMF) and developed a questionnaire by modifying similar questionnaires used in Pakistan and Turkey, to assess KAP of physicians and specialists regarding ASD in Romania. The Questionnaire was administered to a convenient sample of 383 practicing physicians or specialists. Exploratory Factor Analysis on 12 variables revealed five composite sub-scores: stigma, potential causes, children’s behavior, misconceptions, and educational needs associated with ASD knowledge. We determined the variables associated additively or interactively with KAP regarding ASD by applying General Linear Models to the five sub-scores as dependent variables. Results Approximately 75% of the responding physicians were female and more than 80% were over the age of 30 years. The majority (73%-94%) of physicians in Romania have correctly responded to some basic questions regarding knowledge about ASD. We also found that younger physicians (age < 35 years) were more knowledgeable about potential causes of ASD than older physicians, age ≥ 35 years, (adjusted mean sub-scores: 2.70 vs. 2.13, P = 0.04, adjusted for the “type of medical school attended” and “city where the clinic is located”), while older physicians knew more about the behavior of children with ASD (P = 0.02). We found a significant interaction between source of ASD knowledge and (city where the clinic is located) in relation to knowledge of the physicians’ regarding stigma related to ASD. There were no significant interactions in relation to the physician’s knowledge of behaviors of children with ASD. Conclusion Though Romanian physicians are knowledgeable about ASD, greater attention is needed on symptoms, causes, and awareness of stigma and misconceptions surrounding ASD.


Author(s):  
Ana Gentil-Gutiérrez ◽  
José Luis Cuesta-Gómez ◽  
Paula Rodríguez-Fernández ◽  
Jerónimo Javier González-Bernal

(1) Background: Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently have difficulties in processing sensory information, which is a limitation when participating in different contexts, such as school. The objective of the present study was to compare the sensory processing characteristics of children with ASD in the natural context of school through the perception of professionals in the field of education, in comparison with neurodevelopmental children (2) Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study as conducted with study population consisting of children between three and ten years old, 36 of whom were diagnosed with ASD and attended the Autismo Burgos association; the remaining 24 had neurotypical development. The degree of response of the children to sensory stimuli at school was evaluated using the Sensory Profile-2 (SP-2) questionnaire in its school version, answered by the teachers. (3) Results: Statistically significant differences were found in sensory processing patterns (p = 0.001), in sensory systems (p = 0.001) and in school factors (p = 0.001). Children with ASD who obtained worse results. (4) Conclusions: Children with ASD are prone to present sensory alterations in different contexts, giving nonadapted behavioral and learning responses.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document