Relations between family factors and behaviors of children with mild autism spectrum disorder in Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum Hospital

Abstract

Background: Children with Autism is are children with developmental disorder that affect communication and behaviors. Autism is classified into 3 levels: 1) mild, 2) moderate, and 3) severe. No studies have focused on children with mild autism spectrum disorder in Thailand which makes our study interesting and necessary as it can help develop new knowledge regarding autistic childcare.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine behaviors, family factors and association between behaviors and family factors of children with mild autism spectrum disorder Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum Hospital.

Methods: The data were collected from the main caregiver of children with mild autism spectrum disorder age 4 - 16 years old whom visit outpatient department of Yuwaprasart Waithayopathum hospital. The tools of this study were 5 questionnaires including 1) Demographic data; 2) Family relationship questionnaires; 3) Chulalongkorn Family Inventory: CFI; 4) Parent’s attitude for child care questionnaire, and 5) The strengths and difficulties questionnaires. Statistical Analyzes included: unpaired t - test, One-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression analysis.

Results: The results showed that the most behaviors of children with mild autism spectrum disorder from SDQ questionnaire were of normal level. As for each component, the result showed that peer relationship problem was the most severe. And related factors of behaviors of children with mild autism spectrum disorder were relationship between children and caregivers, treatment duration and treatment by medicines.

Conclusion: Our results imply that behavioral problems in autistic children are multifactorial, including families, caregivers, individuals and treatment factors. Therefore, autistic childcare should be approached holistically to reach the best result for both the family and the child.