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Musetti A, Zagaria A, Pezzi M, Fante C, Dioni B, Raffin C, Manari T, Lenzo V, De Luca Picione R. Parental quality of life, child adjustment and adult attachment in parents of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 146:104684. [PMID: 38281373 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may experience a lower quality of life (QoL) than parents of offspring with typical development. However, factors associated with parental QoL are not yet fully understood. AIMS This study aimed to investigate the relationships between parental QoL, child adjustment and adult attachment among parents of children and adolescents with ASD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES One hundred and eighty-eight parents of children and adolescents diagnosed with ASD completed a group of self-report questionnaires on sociodemographic variables, QoL (i.e., overall QoL and ASD symptoms-related parental QoL), child adjustment (i.e., offspring's total problems and prosocial behaviors) and adult attachment. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Structural equation modeling revealed that the overall parental QoL was negatively related to children's total problems and positively associated with prosocial behaviors, as well as with higher levels of secure attachment and lower levels of fearful attachment styles. Additionally, ASD symptoms-related parental QoL was negatively associated with the offspring's total problems. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This suggests that child characteristics may interact with parental characteristics to either enhance or compromise the QoL of parents of children and adolescents with ASD. Implications of these findings for promoting parental QoL are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Musetti
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy.
| | - Andrea Zagaria
- Sapienza University of Rome Department of Psychology, Roma, Italy
| | - Mattia Pezzi
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Fante
- Institute for Educational Technologies, National Research Council, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Dioni
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy; Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Cinzia Raffin
- Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Tommaso Manari
- University of Parma Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, Parma, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lenzo
- University of Catania Department Educational Sciences, Catania, Italy
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"Sometimes I Feel Grateful…": Experiences of the Adolescent Siblings of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Malaysia. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:795-807. [PMID: 34247302 PMCID: PMC8272616 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05184-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Sibling relationships remain understudied in typically developing adolescents who have siblings with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of adolescents who have a brother or a sister with a diagnosis of ASD using semi-structured interviews. Using thematic analysis, the participants reported having difficulties communicating with their siblings. Feeling a mixture of emotions was common when interacting with their siblings with ASD and emotional self-regulation was a typical coping strategy utilized by these adolescents. Despite the challenges, having a sibling with ASD led to closer relationships between the siblings. These findings offer insights into these adolescents' needs and how they may be best supported, informing the practice of speech-language pathology and other health professions.
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Mohamad Aun NS, Zakaria SM, Ahmad Badayai AR, Idris IB, Mohd Daud TI, Mohd Fazree SD. Quality of Life among Mothers of High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD)Adolescents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116663. [PMID: 35682245 PMCID: PMC9180906 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has become more prevalent globally. The disorder is predominantly characterised by low social skills noted explicitly in people with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD). The individuals usually possess a normal or superior intelligence quotient (IQ) but the disability impedes the achievement of their actual high potential, hence compromising their quality of life (QoL). Managing adversities encountered by children with HFASD often compromises the QoL of the entire family. Thus, this study aimed to identify specific domains of QoL among mothers of high-functioning autistic adolescents. The study assessed seven mothers of adolescents with HFASD using a semi-structured interview format. A thematic qualitative analysis was conducted to analyse the data. The results suggested that mothers perceived their QoL based on physical and emotional well-being, material well-being, interpersonal relationship, and environmental well-being. Intervention for HFASD is multidisciplinary, which targets a broad spectrum of symptoms and skills deficits and customises the programme to meet each individual’s different needs. Nonetheless, intervention facilities in Malaysia are seriously limited, particularly in supporting QoL for children with HFASD. Therefore, by identifying the domains of QoL would improve the mothers’ resilience in raising their children with HFASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Saadah Mohamad Aun
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Siti Marziah Zakaria
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
| | - Abdul Rahman Ahmad Badayai
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
| | - Idayu Badilla Idris
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Tuti Iryani Mohd Daud
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Shima Dyana Mohd Fazree
- Centre for Research in Psychology and Human Well-Being, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, The National University of Malaysia, Bangi 43600, Malaysia; (S.M.Z.); (A.R.A.B.); (S.D.M.F.)
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Munawar K, Mukhtar F, Choudhry FR, Ng ALO. Mental health literacy: A systematic review of knowledge and beliefs about mental disorders in Malaysia. Asia Pac Psychiatry 2022; 14:e12475. [PMID: 33963816 DOI: 10.1111/appy.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health problems in Malaysia are on a rise. This study aimed at performing a systematic review of mental health literacy (MHL) in Malaysia. METHODS Medline, Embase, ERIC/Proquest, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Scopus, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Emcare and reference lists of included studies were searched in February 2020. Studies that evaluated at least one of the main components of MHL, including (1) knowledge related to mental health issues, and (2) stigma, were included irrespective of study design. As secondary findings, the review also synthesized results related to facilitators and barriers to seeking mental health services. Depending on the research design, the quality of each study was assessed through checklists. RESULTS Forty six studies published between 1995 to 2019 were included. Most studies used cross-sectional designs to investigate MHL. Findings indicate that most Malaysians have stigmatizing attitudes towards mental health problems. Participants in the included studies endorsed multifactorial explanations of mental health issues with a dominance of supernatural and religious aetiologies. Likewise, the commonest barrier was considering sources other than professional sources of mental-health services. Presence of adequate knowledge and considering providers as competent facilitated help-seeking. Additionally, there was considerable heterogeneity in studies and a lack of standardized measures assessing MHL. CONCLUSIONS There is an increase in studies on MHL in Malaysia. A few of these studies, based on experimental design, have shown positive effects. Researchers, practitioners, and policymakers should develop standardized measures and interventional studies based on all the components of MHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadeeja Munawar
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences & Liberal Arts, UCSI University Malaysia, UCSI Heights 1, Jalan Puncak Menara Gading, Taman Connaught, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Firdaus Mukhtar
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Fahad Riaz Choudhry
- Department of Psychology, Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alvin Lai Oon Ng
- Department of Psychology, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, 5, Jalan Universiti, Bandar Sunway, Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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Yaacob WNW, Yaacob LH, Zulkifli MM, Muhamad R. A Journey towards Resilience: Coping Strategies Adopted by Parents with Children Having Autism Spectrum Disorder in Northeast Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19042458. [PMID: 35206643 PMCID: PMC8875887 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19042458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been increasing for the past two decades. Parents with autism have been known to be at risk of psychological distress and maladaptation, but many parents were able to overcome this adversity and lead to a good quality of life. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted among 21 parents of children with ASD. Interviews were transcribed and evaluated using thematic analysis. RESULTS The analysis discovered three main themes: acceptance and positive outlook, reaching for helping hands, and understanding autism and finding its solutions. CONCLUSIONS Although the findings cannot be generalised to other populations with ASD, this study provides a detailed perspective on their unique coping strategies. Insights gained from this study could help health care providers, authorities, and communities to address a specific need and able to advocate relevant support measures to assist them.
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Chu SY, Lee J, Wong YY, Gan CH, Fierro V, Hersh D. Knowledge mediates attitude in autism spectrum disorders? Data from Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 69:568-577. [PMID: 37346250 PMCID: PMC10281351 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2021.1975254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Limited efforts have been made in middle- and low-income countries to raise public awareness of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) over the past ten years. We report data from a general population survey exploring the relationship between awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding autism in Malaysia. A questionnaire consisting of items related to awareness, knowledge, and attitudes regarding ASD was distributed. The scores of knowledge of ASD and attitude towards ASD were 6.87 (SD = 4.17; with a total possible score of 12) and 6.39 (SD = 2.77; with a total possible score of 9), respectively, indicating that, on average, the participants had moderate levels of knowledge and attitude. Structural equation modeling showed that improving awareness and knowledge about ASD will enhance more positive attitudes towards ASD. Efforts should be geared towards disseminating information about ASD, in order to increase acceptance of the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ying Chu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Speech Sciences Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership and Counseling, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Yee Yan Wong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Speech Sciences Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Chun Hong Gan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies, Programme of Clinical Psychology and Behavioural Health, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Veronica Fierro
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Deborah Hersh
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- School of Allied Health Science and Practice, Adelaide University, Adelaide, Australia
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Yaacob WNW, Yaacob LH, Muhamad R, Zulkifli MM. Behind the Scenes of Parents Nurturing a Child with Autism: A Qualitative Study in Malaysia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8532. [PMID: 34444280 PMCID: PMC8391347 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Many parents have experienced difficulties in parenting children with autism. We, therefore, consider a more in-depth understanding that is necessary to explore the challenges facing parents and families to provide a better outcome for both. We interviewed 21 parents of 24 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to qualitatively explore the challenges they experienced through a phenomenological framework. Four main aspects emerged as challenges to the parents: inadequate knowledge, psychological distress and stigma, lack of support, and barriers to services. These four themes reflect a lack of balance between the needs of caregivers and the services and resources or support available in the community to meet those needs. Our study contributes to an understanding of how parents perceive challenges, making it easier to take necessary action to meet their needs and ease their burden of stress. A concerted effort is needed to coordinate services across all disciplines to address these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lili Husniati Yaacob
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (W.N.W.Y.); (M.M.Z.)
| | - Rosediani Muhamad
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu 16150, Kelantan, Malaysia; (W.N.W.Y.); (M.M.Z.)
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Chu SY, Park H, Lee J, Shaharuddin KKB, Gan CH. Self-stigma and its associations with stress and quality of life among Malaysian parents of children with autism. Child Care Health Dev 2020; 46:485-494. [PMID: 32396218 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the relationship between self-perceived stigmatization (affiliate stigma), stress and quality of life among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHOD Participants (N = 110) filled-in the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Caregiver Burden Inventory and the CarerQOL scale. RESULTS Parents reported low scores on stigma and fair levels of stress and quality of life, indicating that parents do not feel stigmatized by affiliation with a child with ASD nor are they stressed from affiliate stigma. After controlling for demographic factors, both the relationships of affiliate stigma with stress and with quality of life were weak, indicating that stigma may have little to no effect on stress and quality of life. CONCLUSION Cultural and religious beliefs may play a part in the acceptance of a child's condition, resulting in less impact of stigma on the parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ying Chu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness (H-CARE), Speech Sciences Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hyeran Park
- Institute for Measurement, Methodology, Analysis and Policy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | - Jaehoon Lee
- Department of Educational Psychology and Leadership, Institute for Measurement, Methodology, Analysis and Policy, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, USA
| | | | - Chun Hong Gan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Rehabilitation & Special Needs, Clinical Psychology Programme, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Chu SY, Khoong ESQ, Ismail FNM, Altaher AM, Razak RA. Speech-Language Pathology in Malaysia: Perspectives and Challenges. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1044/2019_pers-sig17-2019-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
Malaysia, with its diverse culture and multilingual population, presents a unique and interesting setting for working as a speech-language pathologist (SLP). This article discusses the challenges that SLPs face when providing speech and language therapy in Malaysia and issues that need to be addressed for continued growth of this profession. While providing suggestions to SLPs on methods to overcome the challenges faced and improve their clinical practice, this article also calls upon international collaborations in overcoming these challenges.
Conclusions
Within the last few decades, the SLP profession in Malaysia has continued to grow and develop as it seeks to offer services on par with countries where the profession is more established. However, there is still much room for improvement as Malaysia continues to overcome current challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ying Chu
- Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
| | - Elaine Shi Qing Khoong
- Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
| | | | - Abeer Muneer Altaher
- Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
| | - Rogayah A. Razak
- Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of Rehabilitation & Special Needs, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
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Chu SY, Tang KP, McConnell G, Mohd Rasdi HF, Yuen MC. Public perspectives on communication disorders and profession of speech-language pathology. SPEECH LANGUAGE AND HEARING 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/2050571x.2019.1570705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Ying Chu
- Speech Sciences Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Keng Ping Tang
- Speech Sciences Programme, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Grace McConnell
- Communication Sciences and Disorders College of Health and Human Services, Rockhurst University, Kansas City, MO, USA
| | - Hanif Farhan Mohd Rasdi
- Occupational Therapy Programme, Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Man-Ching Yuen
- Department of Information Technology, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, Hong Kong
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