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Dereje J, Kassaye A, Mulugeta A, Medfu G, Shumet S, Kassew T. Quality of life and associated factors among primary caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders attending public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study. Int Health 2024:ihae055. [PMID: 39315454 DOI: 10.1093/inthealth/ihae055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders are a set of disorders that negatively affect the acquisition of skills in a variety of developmental domains, including motor function, learning, socialization, language and cognition. However, there is no information available on the standard of living of Ethiopian primary caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the quality of life (QOL) and associated factors among primary caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted during 1-30 May 2022. Systematic random sampling was used to obtain 352 samples. QOL was measured using the WHO Quality of Life Brief. The gathered information was coded, entered into EpiData 4.6.0.2 and analyzed with SPSS version 26. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify the correlates of QOL and the strength of the correlation was measured by β coefficient with 95% CI. RESULTS The mean score of the overall QOL was 62.61 with a SD of 5.17. The mean (±SD) scores for the physical health, psychological, environmental and social relationship domains of primary caregivers were 57.36±9.98, 66.98±9.39, 66.06±12.91 and 60.02±9.14, respectively. Age was significantly associated with physical domain (β=-0.25, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.07) and with environmental domain (β=-4.57, 95% CI -9.06 to -0.09). Being divorced/widowed was negatively associated with psychological health (β=-2.99, 95% CI -5.82 to -0.17) and social health (β=-0.62, 95% CI -1.33 to -0.10). The presence of medical illness was negatively associated with the physical health domain (β=-4.32, 95% CI -7.64 to -2.91) and the environmental domain (β=-3.11, 95% CI -5.71 to -0.51). Poor social support was negatively associated with psychological health (β=-3.25, 95% CI -5.89 to -0.61) and the social health domain (β=-3.39, 95% CI -11.3 to 4.6), and moderate social support (β=8.62, 95% CI 3.15 to 14.09) was positively associated with physical health. Depression (β=-6.32, 95% CI -11.96 to -0.67) and anxiety (β =-3.07, 95% CI -5.80 to -0.34) were negatively associated with physical health and the psychological health domain, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study indicate that all dimensions of QOL of primary caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders in this study setting were compromised. Being divorced or widowed, lack of formal education, age, average monthly income, poor social support, depression, anxiety and the presence of medical illness were factors associated with QOL in all domains. This requires integrating a bio-psychosocial perspective, a positive mental health strategy and pharmaceutical therapies to enhance QOL for caregivers of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerman Dereje
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abenet Kassaye
- Department of Psychiatry Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, P.O. Box 1145, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Abiy Mulugeta
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Science, Haramaya University, P.O. Box 235, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Girmaw Medfu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Shegaye Shumet
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tilahun Kassew
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medical and Health Science, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Alhuzimi TE. Saudi parents' perspectives of the factors influencing the quality of life of their children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2024; 152:104799. [PMID: 39002204 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104799] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that the deficits in social communication and the repetitive, restrictive behaviour of persons with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can pose challenges to their functioning in different Quality of Life (QoL) domains, leading to lower levels of life satisfaction. Evidence also indicates that various social and family factors, such as the support received in the community/environment and the composition of the family, could impact the QoL of persons with ASD. AIM To study the factors influencing the QoL of children with ASD in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) by investigating the perspectives of their parents. METHOD Questionnaires were completed by 110 parents who had a child with ASD. The questionnaire included the 96-item KidsLife-ASD scale to capture parents' perspectives regarding the difficulties experienced by their child, the ASD support received by their families, and the QoL of the child. The data obtained from the questionnaire were statistically analysed using IBM SPSS software. RESULTS The difficulties experienced by children with ASD and aspects of the support (services and interventions, and challenges) they receive are factors that influence the QoL of children with ASD in the KSA. Moreover, the number of children in the family, the birth order of child with ASD, and the severity of ASD symptoms are factors that influence parents' perceptions of their children's difficulties, family ASD support, and the child's QoL. CONCLUSIONS Saudi parents who have one child with ASD believed that the QoL of their child was high and confirmed that the difficulties experienced by the child and the support received by the family were factors which influenced the QoL of a child with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Talal E Alhuzimi
- Department of Special Education, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Faker K, de Paula VAC, Tostes MA. Psychometric Properties of the Portuguese Version of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA). J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06428-w. [PMID: 38963472 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06428-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to cross-culturally adapt and validate of the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA) among parents of children ASD. The translated version was administered to 91 parents (Male: 4, Female: 85, other: 2) of individuals diagnosed with ASD. Among these, 22 completed the questionnaire twice, providing data for the assessment of test-retest reliability (ICC). The B-QoLA score ranged from 41 to 122, with a mean (SD) of 74.3 ± 18.5 in Part A and ranged from 22 to 94, with a mean (SD) of 61.6 ± 16.4, in Part B. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.94 for Part A, 0.92 for Part B and 0.94 for total B-QoLA, indicating excellent internal consistency. Test-retest reliability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient, which was 0.96 for the total scale, 0.94 for Part A, and 0.95 for Part B. Part A-X2 (df) = 297, (167), X2/2 = 1.7, CFI = 0.85, TLI = 0.84, GFI = 0.78, AGFI = 0.75, and RMSEA (95%CI) = 0.09 (0.07-0.11); Part B-X2 (df) = 297, (167), X2/2 = 1.7, CFI = 0.85, TLI = 0.84, GFI = 0.78, AGFI = 0.75, and RMSEA (95%CI) = 0.09 (0.07-0.11), thus indicating moderate fit of the model. The Brazilian version of the QoLA shows encouraging psychometric properties on each of the two subscales, showing strong internal consistency and good construct validity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawana Faker
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Mário Santos Braga, Nº 30 - Campus Valonguinho, Centro, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24040-110, Brazil
| | - Viviane Andrade Cancio de Paula
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Mário Santos Braga, Nº 30 - Campus Valonguinho, Centro, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24040-110, Brazil
| | - Monica Almeida Tostes
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Mário Santos Braga, Nº 30 - Campus Valonguinho, Centro, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24040-110, Brazil.
- Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Rua Mário Santos Braga, N° 30 - Campus Valonguinho, Centro, Niterói, RJ, CEP 24040-110, Brazil.
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Davy G, Barbaro J, Unwin K, Clark M, Jellett R, Date P, Muniandy M, Dissanayake C. Child and caregiver predictors of primary caregiver participation in families of school-aged Autistic children. Autism Res 2024; 17:1475-1486. [PMID: 38783757 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Engaging in meaningful activities (e.g., leisure, spiritual, fitness) significantly affects caregivers' quality of life (QoL), yet the determinants of participation in caregivers of Autistic children remain largely unknown. The current study examined child and caregiver correlates of primary caregiver participation in meaningful activities. One hundred and six primary caregivers of Autistic children (7-12 years) were recruited from three unique cohorts of Autistic children in this cross-sectional study. Primary caregivers completed online questionnaires measuring occupational gaps (i.e., desired activities caregivers are not participating in), QoL, parenting stress, perceived family outcomes, and social support. In addition to undertaking direct assessments of children's cognition and language, primary caregivers also reported on their child's adaptive behavior, social-emotional skills, and participation. Caregivers reporting fewer occupational gaps (i.e., ≤2 desired activities) were more likely to have Autistic children with no co-occurring conditions, who were older, and with better adaptive behaviors, social-emotional skills, and more frequent home and school participation, compared to caregivers reporting many gaps (i.e., ≥3 desired activities). Caregivers with fewer occupational gaps also reported improved QoL, parenting stress, social support, perceived community inclusiveness, and family outcomes. Logistic regression analysis identified child age, child adaptive behavior, social-emotional skills, home participation, and the caregivers' perceived family outcomes and QoL as important predictors of their occupational gaps. The findings demonstrate that caregiver participation in desired activities was associated with increased functional ability and independence of the child, as well as their perceived capacity to meet their child's needs. Supporting parents' sense of efficacy in meeting their children's needs and building their skills and knowledge will serve to improve both caregiver and child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Davy
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katy Unwin
- Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Clark
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Jellett
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Australia
| | - Perrin Date
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Muniandy
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Salleh NS, Tang LY, Husain M, Lim Abdullah K, Kueh YC. Affiliate Stigma, Resilience and Quality of Life among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Two Public Hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia. Malays J Med Sci 2024; 31:217-228. [PMID: 38984240 PMCID: PMC11229570 DOI: 10.21315/mjms2024.31.3.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Often, the indirect impact of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents the family with significant challenges. One of these challenges is affiliate stigma due to parental affiliation with their child. This study aimed to explore affiliate stigma, resilience and quality of life (QoL) among parents of children with ASD. Methods Cross-sectional study of 144 parents of children with ASD were recruited from two main tertiary hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, a developing country in Southeast Asia. Pearson correlation was used to examine the relationship between parental affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify the significant associated factors of affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Results Correlational analyses revealed that perceived affiliate stigma demonstrated an inverse relationship with resilience and QoL. Additionally, resilience had a positive relationship with QoL. Regression analyses revealed that the father's employment status, the mother's level of education, having a disability card, the child's age at ASD diagnosis, comorbidities of the child and ASD severity perceived by parents were associated with parental affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL. Conclusion Study findings highlight the contribution of socio-demographic characteristics of children with ASD and their families in the determination of affiliate stigma, resilience and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Shuhada Salleh
- Nursing Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan Malaysia
| | - Li Yoong Tang
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Maruzairi Husain
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Khatijah Lim Abdullah
- Department of Nursing, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Yee Cheng Kueh
- Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
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Aishworiya R, Saw YE, Chan YH, Chong SC, Kiing JSH, Tan MY, Lim TSH, Mulay KV, Kang YQ. Quality of Life and Its Associated Correlates of Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum in Singapore. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06391-6. [PMID: 38773032 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06391-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aimed to assess Quality of life (QoL) of parents of children on the autism spectrum in Singapore and identify its associated factors. Parents of children (age ≥ 5 years) completed the Quality of Life in Autism scale which measures parental self-rated QoL (higher scores denote greater QoL), and the perceived impact of the child's autism-related behaviors on parents (higher scores denote lesser impact). Information on the child's degree of autism (measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale, second edition [SRS-2]), community and social participation and cognitive and adaptive functioning were also obtained. Participants were 86 parents with mean child age 6.3 years (SD 1.0). Univariate analysis results revealed greater participation in community and social events to be two modifiable factors associated with higher parental QoL. However, these factors were not found to be significant in the multivariate model. Higher autism features (represented by higher parent-rated SRS scores) was associated with a greater perceived impact of the child's behaviors by parents in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Of note, child's cognitive or adaptive skills were not significantly associated with either QoL measure. Equipping parents to handle autism-related behaviors can be useful to reduce their impact on parental QoL. Facilitating community participation for these children may positively influence caregiver QoL as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore.
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Young Ern Saw
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
| | - Yiong Huak Chan
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shang Chee Chong
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jennifer S H Kiing
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mae Yue Tan
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tammy Su Hui Lim
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kalyani Vijaykumar Mulay
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ying Qi Kang
- Child Development Unit, Khoo Teck Puat - National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Hospital, National University Health System, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore, 119074, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Kara K, Kara OK, Sutcu G, Tonak HA. The Relationship Between Fatigue and Quality of Life in the Turkish Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06398-z. [PMID: 38764072 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06398-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the different effects of fatigue and health-related quality of life in the Turkish mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through comparisons with mothers of typically developing children, and to evaluate the relationship between different aspects of maternal fatigue, depression, and maternal health-related quality of life. The study included a total of 103 mothers, comprising 60 mothers of children with ASD and 43 mothers of typically developing children. The Nottingham Health Profile and Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire-Parent Version were used to assess the health-related quality of life. Fatigue was assessed comprehensively with the Fatigue Impact Scale and the Fatigue Severity Scale. The Nottingham Health Profile total and physical mobility domain and the quality of life were the strongest factors, explaining with a variance of 66.7% the fatigue impact on cognitive function. The mothers' quality of life accounted for 64.8% of the variance in factors that explained fatigue. Physical mobility, social isolation and quality of life were associated with the physical impact of fatigue and were explained with a variance of 52.4%. Emotional reactions and quality of life were explained with a variance of 52.7% in the fatigue of psychosocial function. The current study has highlighted that the fatigue of Turkish mothers of children with ASD has a greater impact on cognitive, physical and psychosocial functions. Furthermore, the quality of life, physical mobility, social isolation, and emotional reactions of mothers have a significant impact on maternal fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koray Kara
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Health Sciences, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.
| | - Ozgun Kaya Kara
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gulsah Sutcu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Hasan Atacan Tonak
- Hamidiye Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Davy G, Barbaro J, Unwin K, Clark M, Jellett R, Date P, Muniandy M, Dissanayake C. Leisure, community, workforce participation and quality of life in primary and secondary caregivers of autistic children. Autism Res 2024; 17:799-811. [PMID: 38414177 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Parents of Autistic children often modify their participation in leisure, social, and employment activities to meet the caregiving needs of their child. However, few studies have examined the impact this has on caregiver quality of life (QoL). The aim in the current study was to examine the role of participation in a range of activities on QoL amongst primary and secondary caregivers of school-aged Autistic children. Eighty-eight primary (93% mothers) and 63 secondary (91% fathers) caregivers of Autistic children (aged 7- to 12-years) participated in this cross-sectional study, with time pressure, participation, social support, parenting stress, and QoL measured via an online questionnaire. Compared to secondary caregivers, primary caregivers reported fewer employment hours, increased time pressure, less participation in desired activities, and higher perceived responsibility of domestic and child-rearing tasks. Similar levels of leisure frequency, parenting stress, and QoL were identified by both caregivers. Hierarchical regression revealed caregiver participation as important for QoL in both primary and secondary caregivers. However, when measures of caregiver well-being were added to the model, the unique contribution of participation to QoL was reduced, particularly for secondary caregivers. Overall, the findings demonstrate that despite differences in caregiver roles and responsibilities, participation in meaningful activities was important for QoL in all caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Davy
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Josephine Barbaro
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katy Unwin
- Department of Psychology, Counselling & Therapy, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Megan Clark
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Jellett
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Perrin Date
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Muniandy
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Eyuboglu D, Eyuboglu M, Yaylaci F, Guller B, Sahbudak B, Avunduk A, Dagli OO, Pala SC, Arslantas D. The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ). J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06264-y. [PMID: 38459280 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06264-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the AFEQ for Turkish parents of children with ASD. The Turkish-translated version of the AFEQ was administered to 241 parents of children aged 2-12 years with ASD to examine the construct validity and internal consistencies. Parents completed the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), and Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire Parent version, along with the AFEQ. The mean age of the children of 241 individuals in the study group was 7.63 ± 3.02 and 88.4% (n = 213) were male. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.921 of the total variance. Cronbach alpha coefficients are 0.813 for the "Experience of being a parent" subscale, 0.768 for the "Family Life" subscale, 0.810 for the "Child Development, Understanding and Social Relationships" subscale, and 0.804 for the "Child Symptoms (Feelings and Behaviour)" subscale. In conclusion, the translated and culturally adapted AFEQ shows good reliability and validity to measure the priorities of autistic children and their families in Turkey. It can also be useful in monitoring the effectiveness of intervention programs and changes in the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damla Eyuboglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey.
| | - Murat Eyuboglu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Ferhat Yaylaci
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Dortcelik Children Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Baris Guller
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bursa Dortcelik Children Hospital, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Begum Sahbudak
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manisa Mental Health and Diseases Hospital, Manisa, Turkey
| | - Aslihan Avunduk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Onur Oktay Dagli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, 26480, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Seval Caliskan Pala
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
- Eskisehir Provincial Health Directorate, Odunpazari Health Directorate, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Didem Arslantas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey
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Eapen V, Islam R, Azim SI, Masi A, Klein L, Karlov L. Factors Impacting Parental Quality of Life in Preschool Children on the Autism Spectrum. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:943-954. [PMID: 36538128 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05848-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examined connections between parental quality of life (QoL) and features of children (autism severity, cognitive ability, behavioral profile, and sociodemographic factors). Parents of 97 children attending an autism-specific preschool completed the Quality of Life in Autism, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and Child Behavior Checklist. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and Mullen Scales of Early Learning were also administered. Reduced restrictive/repetitive behavior and higher socialization and play/leisure scores were associated with better parental QoL. Better behavioral regulation and attention also predicted better QoL, as did stronger communication and reduced internalising behaviours. Findings indicate that a child's level of autism specific traits, adaptive functioning and behavioral profile has greater impact on parental QoL than cognitive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, NSW, Australia.
| | - Raisa Islam
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Syeda Ishra Azim
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Louis Klein
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District Academic, Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool, NSW, Australia
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11
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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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12
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Sneed L, Taylor R, Cook I, Befi M, Fitchett B, Samelson D, Bemmel V. Initial Psychometric Properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06254-0. [PMID: 38300503 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06254-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Wellbeing refers to a person's overall happiness and satisfaction with life. Wellbeing for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) and their families is historically significantly lower compared to the general population. It is important in the context of behavioral health treatment to not only measure the individual who is receiving treatment's overall wellbeing, but also the wellbeing of the family. The purpose of this study was to understand the initial psychometric properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale. METHODS The Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale was developed for families who have a child with I/DD. Caregivers of 3106 families who have a child with a diagnosed I/DD, including autism spectrum disorder, completed the scale as part of their onboarding for behavioral health treatment along with three other questionnaires. The psychometric properties including internal reliability and factor structure were completed as well as initial convergent and divergent validity. RESULTS Results of the analyses revealed very strong internal reliability and a three-factor structure. Validity analyses revealed a moderate positive relationship with parental self-efficacy and a moderate negative relationship with parental stress. Additionally, the sample population represents an ethnically diverse group with multiple co-occurring diagnosis in addition to I/DD. CONCLUSIONS The initial psychometric properties of the Catalight Family Wellbeing Scale are positive and support the use of the scale for families who have a child with I/DD across a diverse sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Sneed
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US.
| | - Ryan Taylor
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
| | - Ian Cook
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
| | - Michelle Befi
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
| | - Brianna Fitchett
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
| | - Doreen Samelson
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
| | - Vincent Bemmel
- Catalight Research Institute, 2730 Shadelands Dr. Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek, CA, 94598, US
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Palmer JK, van der Pols JC, Sullivan KA, Staudacher HM, Byrne R. A Double-Blind Randomised Controlled Trial of Prebiotic Supplementation in Children with Autism: Effects on Parental Quality of Life, Child Behaviour, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and the Microbiome. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06239-z. [PMID: 38291245 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06239-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Modifying gut bacteria in children with autism may influence behaviour, with potential to improve family functioning. We conducted a randomised controlled trial to assess the effect of prebiotics on behaviour, gastrointestinal symptoms and downstream effects on parental quality of life. METHOD Children with autism (4-10yrs) were randomised to 2.4 g/d of prebiotic (GOS) or placebo for six weeks. Pre and post stools samples were collected, and validated questionnaires used to measure change in social and mealtime behaviours, GI symptoms and pQOL. Linear mixed models evaluated group differences for behavioural variables, and Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare change between-groups for GI symptoms, differential abundance of genera and alpha diversity of the microbiome. RESULTS Thirty-three parent-child dyads completed the trial. No group difference was seen for behavioural variables but both groups improved significantly from baseline. There was a medium effect size between groups for GI symptoms (d = 0.47) and pQOL (d = 0.44) driven by greater improvements in the prebiotic group. Bifidobacterium increased threefold following prebiotics (1.4-5.9%, p < 0.001) with no change in controls. Supplements were well tolerated, compliance with dose 94%. CONCLUSION Prebiotics modify levels of Bifidobacterium and prove well tolerated but in this instance, resulted in only marginal effects on GI symptoms and pQOL. A larger sample of children with more severe symptoms could help to determine the potential of prebiotics in autism. TRIAL REGISTRATION https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12619000615189 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline K Palmer
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jolieke C van der Pols
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Karen A Sullivan
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Heidi M Staudacher
- Food & Mood Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, IMPACT Institute, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Rebecca Byrne
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Science, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Volgyesi-Molnar M, Gyori M, Eapen V, Borsos Z, Havasi A, Jakab Z, Janoch L, Nemeth V, Oszi T, Szekeres A, Stefanik K. Quality of Life in Hungarian Parents of Autistic Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3. [PMID: 38280137 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06243-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Parents of autistic individuals have been known to have a lower overall quality of life (QQL) than those of typically developing children. We present the first Hungarian large-sample study whose objective was to explore the differences in QOL between parents of autistic individuals (AS) and those of neurotypical (NT) persons. METHODS Based on the ABCX model we developed a questionnaire comprising standardized scales to characterize the life of parents involved. Our data came from parents of 842 individuals (ASD = 521, NT = 321) between 0 and 49 years. Battery deployed standardized instruments to examine quality of life (WHO-QQL BREF and Quality of Life in Autism questionnaire, QOLA). We assessed the families' socio-economic/demographic characteristics, parents' psychological well-being, the autistic/neurotypical individuals' characteristics, and the interventions. RESULTS Our data showed significantly lower QOL in parents of autistic individuals in all domains of questionnaires. We analyzed 20 relevant factors to uncover the predictors of parental QOL. We confirmed the existence of most but not all predictors present in earlier literature and identified intervention-related predictors. CONCLUSION Our study confirms the importance of supporting parents in their role, and of providing health and social supports that focus on quality of life, in addition to child care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Volgyesi-Molnar
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Miklos Gyori
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Academic Unit of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Services (AUCS), South Western Sydney Local Health District & Ingham Institute, Liverpool, Australia
| | - Zsofia Borsos
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agnes Havasi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Jakab
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Laszlone Janoch
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vivien Nemeth
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, Doctoral School of Education, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamasne Oszi
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Agota Szekeres
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Institute of Education, Kaposvar, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Stefanik
- Hungarian Academy of Sciences - ELTE University 'Autism in Education' Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Faculty of Special Education, Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behaviour and Cognition, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
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Cano-Villagrasa A, Moya-Faz FJ, López-Zamora M. Relationship of epilepsy on the linguistic-cognitive profile of children with ASD: A systematic review of the literature. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1101535. [PMID: 37063523 PMCID: PMC10092355 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1101535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe prevalence of comorbidity between epilepsy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the pediatric age increased significantly in recent years. The onset of epilepsy negatively influences the abilities of the user with ASD. Thus, epilepsy will be a disabling factor that will reduce the cognitive-linguistic skills of users with ASD. The main objective of this work is to review the current scientific literature and to compare the relationship of epilepsy on the development of cognitive and linguistic skills of children with ASD.MethodsIn this regard, a systematic search was carried out in the main sources (Medline, PubMed, WOS, ResearchGate and Google Scholar). 481 articles were identified, from which, after meeting the different inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 18 studies of relevance to the objectives of this work were selected.ResultsThe results reflect that, at a global level, epilepsy significantly influences the performance of cognitive- linguistic skills in people with ASD.DiscussionIn conclusion, epilepsy in the ASD population leads to a reduction in cognitive and linguistic abilities, which respond to the different types of epilepsy and their location, significantly impacting the quality of life and basic activities of daily living of the user with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Campus de los Jerónimos, Murcia, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Valencian International University, Valencia, Spain
- *Correspondence: Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
| | - Francisco José Moya-Faz
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Murcia, Spain
- Francisco José Moya-Faz
| | - Miguel López-Zamora
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Miguel López-Zamora
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Rutherford M, Baxter J, Johnston L, Tyagi V, Maciver D. Piloting a Home Visual Support Intervention with Families of Autistic Children and Children with Related Needs Aged 0-12. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4401. [PMID: 36901410 PMCID: PMC10001844 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Visual supports are an important intervention for autistic individuals and others with neurodevelopmental differences. However, families often report limited access to visual supports and lack of information and confidence in their use at home. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a home-based visual supports intervention. METHODS 29 families with children (n = 20 males; mean age 6.59 years [Range 3.64-12.21 years SD 2.57]) receiving support for autism or related needs participated in the study. Parents engaged in an individualised assessment and intervention process through home visits, completing pre- and post-measures. Qualitative methods were used to explore the parents' experiences of the intervention. RESULTS The intervention led to a statistically significant improvement in parent-reported quality of life (t28 = 3.09, p = 0.005) and parent-reported perception of autism-specific difficulties (t28 = 2.99, p = 0.006). Parents also reported improved access to resources and relevant information and increased confidence in using visual supports at home. The home visit model was strongly supported by the parents. CONCLUSION The results provide initial evidence of the acceptability, practicality, and utility of the home-based visual supports intervention. These findings suggest that outreach into the family home may be a beneficial mechanism for delivering interventions related to visual supports. This study highlights the potential of home-based interventions to improve access to resources and information for families and the importance of visual supports in the home setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Rutherford
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
- NHS Lothian Speech and Language Therapy Department, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Julie Baxter
- City of Edinburgh Council, Additional Support for Learning Service, Edinburgh EH8 8BG, UK
| | - Lorna Johnston
- City of Edinburgh Council, Additional Support for Learning Service, Edinburgh EH8 8BG, UK
| | - Vaibhav Tyagi
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
| | - Donald Maciver
- School of Health Sciences, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh EH21 6UU, UK
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Eapen V, Karlov L, John JR, Beneytez C, Grimes PZ, Kang YQ, Mardare I, Minca DG, Voicu L, Malek KA, Ramkumar A, Stefanik K, Gyori M, Volgyesi-Molnar M. Quality of life in parents of autistic children: A transcultural perspective. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1022094. [PMID: 36910746 PMCID: PMC9996029 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1022094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The concepts of health, illness, and disability as well as the perceptions of autism and quality of life (QoL) vary greatly across cultures and across time. This study sought to explore the interplay of culture on QoL and impact on parents caring for autistic children. Methods We used a transcultural dataset from seven countries (Australia, Hungary, Malaysia, Romania, Singapore, Spain, and the United Kingdom) with participating parents/carers reporting on the Quality of Life in Autism (QoLA) questionnaire. The QoLA questionnaire is a validated measure of QoL for parents of autistic children, with Part A subscale measuring parental QoL and part B subscale assessing the parental impact of the child's autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms or features. We used the Quade's ranked analysis of covariance to determine significant differences between the countries in relation to QoLA Part A and Part B scores while adjusting for baseline differences using covariates such as parents' gender, child's age, and gender. Additionally, a post-hoc analysis with Bonferroni correction was also conducted to examine multiple pairwise comparisons. Results and conclusion We found that while the effect of features of ASD (Part B subscale) stayed strongly comparable between cultures, the self-reported parental QoL was most likely determined by different aspects of culture in different countries. It is concluded that while the ASD symptoms or features appear to affect parents in the same way across different countries, the parental QoL may be a culturally informed construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valsamma Eapen
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James Rufus John
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Carmen Beneytez
- Equipo Especifico Alteraciones Graves del Desarrollo, Consejería de Educación de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Poppy Z. Grimes
- Swalcliffe Park School CIO, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ying Qi Kang
- Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ileana Mardare
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Dana Galieta Minca
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Laura Voicu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Khasnur Abd Malek
- Department of Primary Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Sungai Buloh, Malaysia
| | - Aishworiya Ramkumar
- Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute (KTP-NUCMI), National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Krisztina Stefanik
- Institute of Special Needs Education for People with Atypical Behavior and Cognition, ELTE University Budapest, Budapest, Hungary
- HAS-ELTE ‘Autism in Education’ Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklos Gyori
- HAS-ELTE ‘Autism in Education’ Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marta Volgyesi-Molnar
- HAS-ELTE ‘Autism in Education’ Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute for the Psychology of Special Needs, ELTE University, Budapest, Hungary
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Raju S, Hepsibah PEV, Niharika MK. Quality of life in parents of children with Autism spectrum disorder: Emphasizing challenges in the Indian context. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 69:371-378. [PMID: 37213591 PMCID: PMC10198003 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2023.2173832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Research has raised concerns about the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parents in different cultures show different psychological functioning when caring for a child with ASD. Hence, we examined QOL in parents of children with ASD in India and its relationship with socio-demographic factors. Materials and methods: We used a self-reported questionnaire and WHOQOL-BREF instrument to collect data on socio-demographic details and QOL respectively. Data were collected from two groups of participants - parents of children with ASD and parents of typically developing children (N = 60). Results: Results revealed significant differences in QOL between the two groups. Further, we found a positive correlation between socio-demographic variables and QOL in parents of children with ASD. Conclusions: Findings emphasize the need for intervention approaches aimed at family functioning, improving support services, and assisting parents to develop healthy coping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suma Raju
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
| | - P. E. V. Hepsibah
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
| | - M. K. Niharika
- Department of Speech-Language Pathology, JSS Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, India
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Alnahdi GH, Alwadei A, Woltran F, Schwab S. Measuring Family Quality of Life: Scoping Review of the Available Scales and Future Directions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15473. [PMID: 36497550 PMCID: PMC9738839 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The lack of quality of life is a key issue for families with children with an intellectual disability. While the quality of life for people with disabilities has previously been researched as an individual variable, this has now shifted to include family members. The purpose of this study was to conduct a review of the studies measuring the quality of life of families with an intellectually disabled member, in order to identify the most commonly used scales and their psychometric properties. METHOD Data were collected from six databases (ERIC, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, MedLine, and Google Scholar), and this search yielded 3948 studies. One hundred and twenty studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in this study. RESULTS Nine scales were used in the last years to measure the quality of life for families with individuals with an intellectual disability. The Beach Center scale was the most common scale, followed by the Family Quality of Life Survey and the World Health Organization's quality of life assessment (WHOQoL-BREF). The results showed that the included studies in the review lack the consideration of a broader population representing the different types of cultures with different socioeconomic backgrounds. Key aspects used to assess the FQoL are environmental factors (proximal and distal factors), as well as economic factors. CONCLUSION Although the operationalization of the FQoL often incudes several subthemes, a general agreement regarding which domains of the FQoL need to be included in the measurements, and these do not exist right now. Moreover, multidimensional scales are still rare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghaleb H. Alnahdi
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arwa Alwadei
- Special Education Department, College of Education, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Flora Woltran
- Centre for Teacher Education, Department of Education, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Schwab
- Centre for Teacher Education, Department of Education, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University Vanderbijlpark, 1174 Hendrick Van Eck Boulevard, Vanderbijlpark 1900, South Africa
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Salleh NS, Tang LY, Jayanath S, Lim Abdullah K. An Explorative Study of Affiliate Stigma, Resilience, and Quality of Life Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Multidiscip Healthc 2022; 15:2053-2066. [PMID: 36124176 PMCID: PMC9482371 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s376869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Children diagnosed with ASD usually have impaired social functions, exhibit repetitive, stereotyped and self-stimulatory behaviors, which make them prone to be stigmatized by the public. However, stigma not only affects those with stigmatization characteristics such as children with ASD but also tends to include other people related to them including parents. This is called affiliate stigma. However, affiliate stigma is unlikely to occur if public awareness is high. Considering that awareness of ASD is still comparatively low in this region and that, as a review of the literature showed, there have been limited studies on stigma and ASD conducted in South-East Asia, particularly in Malaysia, this study is of great significance, especially in the context of the East and other developing countries. The aim of this study was to explore parents' experiences of caring and perceptions of affiliate stigma, resilience and quality of life (QoL) when caring for a child with ASD. Methods This paper is part of the sequential explanatory mixed-methods study in which, after a cross-sectional study of 144 parents, a qualitative approach was used to explore parents' experiences of caring and their perceptions of affiliate stigma, resilience, and QoL. Participants were recruited when they were accompanying their children to therapy at two tertiary public hospitals in one of the north-eastern states of Malaysia. Eleven parents of children with ASD aged 2-12 years participated. Qualitative data analysis followed Braun and Clarke's methodology of thematic analysis. Results Four themes were identified: the meaning of QoL, ASD and life adjustment, perceived stigma, and resilience. Conclusion This is the first Southeast Asian study on parent-perceived affiliate stigma, resilience, and QoL in the context of ASD. These findings can inform healthcare personnel and policymakers into day-to-day parenting realities and therefore an effort to coordinate support services across all disciplines could be made to improve outcomes for both parents and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor Shuhada Salleh
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Li Yoong Tang
- Department of Nursing Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Subhashini Jayanath
- Developmental Pediatrics Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Khatijah Lim Abdullah
- Department of Nursing, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
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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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22
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Masi A, Azim SI, Khan F, Karlov L, Eapen V. Dissemination of Early Intervention Program for Preschool Children on the Autism Spectrum into Community Settings: An Evaluation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052555. [PMID: 35270253 PMCID: PMC8909550 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052555] [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: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to address a policy-relevant research area with high priority, namely disseminating early intervention for children on the autism spectrum into mainstream community settings. The study cohort comprised 47 children with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) receiving the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) intervention: 23 children attending an Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre (ASELCC) and 24 children attending a mainstream preschool setting. Group comparisons revealed that the overall response to intervention was in the majority of cases not significantly different between settings. One difference was found in that children in the mainstream preschool setting showed a significant reduction in externalising behaviours compared to the children attending the autism-specific preschool. Intervention duration was found to influence outcomes with a one-month increase in duration found to improve expressive language skills. While the results need to be interpreted with caution due to the small sample size, these findings suggest that early intervention can be successfully delivered in both autism-specific and mainstream settings. However, those families needing additional parent support may be better served by a specialised service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (A.M.); (S.I.A.); (F.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Syeda Ishra Azim
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (A.M.); (S.I.A.); (F.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Feroza Khan
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (A.M.); (S.I.A.); (F.K.); (L.K.)
| | - Lisa Karlov
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (A.M.); (S.I.A.); (F.K.); (L.K.)
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool 2170, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, 1 Elizabeth Street, Liverpool 2170, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia; (A.M.); (S.I.A.); (F.K.); (L.K.)
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool 2170, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, Level 1, Mental Health Centre, Liverpool Hospital, 1 Elizabeth Street, Liverpool 2170, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool 2170, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +612-9616-4205
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23
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Beheshti SZ, Hosseini SS, Maroufizadeh S, Almasi-Hashiani A. Occupational performance of children with autism spectrum disorder and quality of life of their mothers. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:18. [PMID: 35033183 PMCID: PMC8760686 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05890-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Limited studies were found to investigate the occupational performance of autistic children and their parents' quality of life. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate occupational performance of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and QoL of their mothers. RESULTS In this study, 88 participants were selected from autism centers in Arak, Iran, 2020. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the parent version of Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA-P) were used to assess the occupational performance of ASD children and their mothers QoL. QoLA-P consists of parts A which is related to the quality of life and part-B related to the problems that these children have and are related to the parents or their caregivers. Regarding occupational performance, the first priority of mothers is self-care with frequency 64.8%. The finding suggested a significant correlation between total function score of COPM and the score of part-A (r = 0.227, p = 0.033) of QoLA-P. Also, the results revealed a significant correlation between the total satisfaction score of COPM and the score of part-A (r = 0.236, p = 0.026) and part-B of QoLA-P questionnaire (r = 0.231, p = 0.030). The mothers' first priority is self-care and, the total satisfaction and function score of COPM showed a significant correlation with mothers' QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zeinab Beheshti
- School of Rehabilitation, Department of Occupational Therapy, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | | | - Saman Maroufizadeh
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Amir Almasi-Hashiani
- School of Health, Department of Epidemiology, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
- Traditional and Complementary Medicine Research Center, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
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24
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Effects of a Web-Based Parent-Child Physical Activity Program on Mental Health in Parents of Children with ASD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412913. [PMID: 34948523 PMCID: PMC8700830 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with ASD experience a higher incidence of mental health difficulties, including stress, depression, and anxiety, than parents of children without ASD. According to studies related to ASD, parent–child physical activity programs are an effective approach to encourage both parents and their children with ASD to exercise together, thus improving the mental health of parents due to this interactive family activity. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of this web-based parent–child physical activity program on the mental health of parents of children with ASD. A total of 94 parent–child pairs consented to participate in this study, and 75 parent–child pairs completed the study. Three instruments—DASS-21, PSI-4-SF, and WHOQOL-26—were used to measure mental health, parental stress, and quality of life, respectively. A randomized controlled trial design was implemented to examine the effectiveness of the 10-week web-based parent–child physical activity program on improving the mental health of parents of children with ASD. The results showed that after the 10-week parent–child physical activity program, there were significant differences in overall DASS-21 and PSI-4-SF for the experimental group, compared with control group (p < 0.05), which indicated that the parent–child physical activity program has a positive influence on mental health in parents of children with ASD. One sub-area of WHOQOL-26 between the experimental and control groups across pre-/post-testing intervals also showed greater reductions in the item of psychological health (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the findings demonstrated the efficacy of the web-based parent–child physical activity program for improving mental health in parents of children with ASD.
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25
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Co-Design of a Neurodevelopment Assessment Scale: A Study Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312837. [PMID: 34886563 PMCID: PMC8657806 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders are a heterogeneous group of conditions with overlapping symptomatology and fluctuating developmental trajectories that transcend current diagnostic categorisation. There is a need for validated screening instruments which dimensionally assess symptomatology from a holistic, transdiagnostic perspective. The primary aim is to co-design a Neurodevelopment Assessment Scale (NAS), a user-friendly transdiagnostic assessment inventory that systematically screens for all signs and symptoms commonly encountered in neurodevelopmental disorders. Our first objective is to undertake development of this tool, utilising co-design principles in partnership with stakeholders, including both those with lived experience of neurodevelopmental disorders and service providers. Our second objective is to evaluate the face validity, as well as the perceived utility, user-friendliness, suitability, and acceptability (i.e., 'social validity'), of the NAS from the perspective of parents/caregivers and adults with neurodevelopmental disorders, clinicians, and service providers. Our third objective is to ascertain the psychometric properties of the NAS, including content validity and convergent validity. The NAS will provide an efficient transdiagnostic tool for evaluating all relevant signs, symptoms, and the dimensional constructs that underpin neurodevelopmental presentations. It is anticipated that this will maximise outcomes by enabling the delivery of personalised care tailored to an individual's unique profile in a holistic and efficient manner.
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26
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Quality of Life and Child's Autism-Specific Difficulties among Malaysian Main Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18189861. [PMID: 34574788 PMCID: PMC8469129 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18189861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts quality of life (QoL). This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the factors associated with perceived QoL and how problematic a child's autism-specific difficulties are among the main caregivers of children with ASD who attend specialized preschool programs at the National Autism Society of Malaysia and IDEAS Autism Centre located in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur. Utilizing the questions from Parts A and B of the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire (QoLA), the data from 116 responders were analyzed using univariate and multivariate linear regression. The mean scores of Part A and Part B were 88.55 ± 17.25 and 56.55 ± 12.35, respectively. The QoL was significantly associated with staying in an apartment/flat -11.37 (95%CI: -19.52, -1.17, p = 0.008), main caregivers attending two training sessions 10.35 (95%CI: 1.17, 19.52, p = 0.028), and more than three training sessions 13.36 (95%CI: 2.01, 24.70, p = 0.022). Main caregiver perceptions of their child's autistic-specific difficulties were significantly associated with not receiving additional help for childcare: no maid -13.54 (95%CI: -24.17, -12.91, p = 0.013); no grandparent -8.65 (95%: -14.33, -2.96, p = 0.003); and main caregivers not having asthma 8.44 (95%CI: 0.02, 16.86, p = 0.049). These identified factors can be considered to inform main caregivers and health care providers on targeted ways to improve the QoL of main caregivers.
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27
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Musetti A, Manari T, Dioni B, Raffin C, Bravo G, Mariani R, Esposito G, Dimitriou D, Plazzi G, Franceschini C, Corsano P. Parental Quality of Life and Involvement in Intervention for Children or Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review. J Pers Med 2021; 11:894. [PMID: 34575671 PMCID: PMC8469292 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research has examined several parental, child-related, and contextual factors associated with parental quality of life (QoL) among parents with a child or an adolescent with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, no systematic review has examined the relationship between parental QoL and parental involvement in intervention. To fill this gap, a systematic review was conducted using four electronic databases and checked reference lists of retrieved studies. Records were included in the systematic review if they presented original data, assessed parental QoL, and involvement in intervention for children or adolescents with ASD, were published in peer-reviewed journals between 2000 and 2020, and were written in English. Among the 96 screened full-texts, 17 articles met the eligibility criteria. The selected studies included over 2000 parents of children or adolescents with ASD. Three categories of parental involvement (i.e., none, indirect, direct) were identified, which varied across studies, although most had direct parental involvement. The results from this review show that increased parental involvement in the intervention for children or adolescents with ASD may be one way to promote their QoL. However, further research specifically focused on parental involvement during the intervention for children and adolescents with ASD is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Musetti
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Borgo Carissimi 10, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Tommaso Manari
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Borgo Carissimi 10, 43121 Parma, Italy
| | - Barbara Dioni
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Borgo Carissimi 10, 43121 Parma, Italy
- Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Cinzia Raffin
- Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Giulia Bravo
- Fondazione Bambini e Autismo Onlus, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Rachele Mariani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Social and Affective Neuroscience Lab, Psychology Program-SSS, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 639818, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 636921, Singapore
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University Trento, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL-Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK
- The National Institute for Stress, Anxiety, Depression and Behavioural Change (NISAD), 252 21 Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna (ISNB), 40139 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Paola Corsano
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Borgo Carissimi 10, 43121 Parma, Italy
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Masi A, Dissanayake C, Alach T, Cameron K, Fordyce K, Frost G, Grove R, Heussler H, Silove N, Sulek R, Tucker M, Williams K, Eapen V. Clinical outcomes and associated predictors of early intervention in autism spectrum disorder: a study protocol. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e047290. [PMID: 34373300 PMCID: PMC8354249 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research highlights the importance of early intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder with better outcomes associated with earlier access to early intensive intervention (EII) programmes. However, there is significant variability in response to EII despite children receiving the same programmes. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective, multisite cohort study using a pre-post design assesses the predictors of early intervention outcomes for children who receive EII through six early intervention services (Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centres, ASELCCs) across Australia. Child and family characteristics at entry to and exit from ASELCCs are ascertained using measures of autism symptoms (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2; Social Communication Questionnaire); cognitive, language and developmental skills (Mullen Scale of Early Learning); adaptive function (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale-second Edition); behaviours (Child Behaviour Checklist-1.5 to 5 years; Restricted Repetitive Behaviour Scale); parental stress (Parent Stress Index-4 Short Form); quality of life (Quality of Life in Autism Scale) and a semistructured family history questionnaire for sociodemographic, family and psychosocial characteristics. Characteristics at entry are used as predictors of outcome at exit following EII approximately 12 months later. The change in score from baseline to exit will be the primary outcome of interest. The mediating role of family and psychosocial factors will also be considered. ETHICS APPROVAL University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HC14267). DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences. A report summarising data and the interpretation of data will be published.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Masi
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, Director & Chair, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tasha Alach
- Director of Therapy and Clinical Services, Autism Association of Western Australia Inc, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Cameron
- Manager of Early Childhood Services, Autism Association of Western Australia Inc, Subiaco, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Kathryn Fordyce
- General Manager Operations, North West Tasmania Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, St Giles Society Limited, Burnie, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Grace Frost
- Disability, Mental Health and Child Care Services, Anglicare SA, Daphne Street Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Rachel Grove
- Chancellor's Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Health, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Helen Heussler
- Medical Director Child and Youth Community Health Services, Medical Director Child Development Program, SMO Sleep Medicine, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Development Unit, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network Randwick and Westmead, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rhylee Sulek
- Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Madonna Tucker
- Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Centre - AEIOU for Children with Autism (AEIOU Foundation), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Adjunct Senior Research Fellow, Griffith Institute for Educational Research Griffith University Nathan Campus, Nathan, Queensland, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Pecor KW, Barbayannis G, Yang M, Johnson J, Materasso S, Borda M, Garcia D, Garla V, Ming X. Quality of Life Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic for Caregivers of Children with ADHD and/or ASD. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:3667. [PMID: 33915884 PMCID: PMC8037979 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18073667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented many challenges to caregivers of children. Families with children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are an understudied but potentially vulnerable population to changes during the outbreak. As such, the aim of this study was to contrast quality of life for caregivers of children with ADHD and/or ASD, before and during the pandemic, compared to caregivers of neurotypical (NT) children. Total, Parent Health-Related Quality of Life, and Family Functioning Summary Scores from the Family Impact Module of the Pediatric Quality of Life InventoryTM were contrasted among caregivers of children with ADHD, ASD, comorbid ADHD and ASD, and NT development. For all scores, caregivers of ADHD and/or ASD children reported lower quality of life, both before and during the pandemic, in comparison to caregivers of NT children. For all diagnoses, quality of life decreased during the pandemic, but caregivers of children with ADHD and/or ASD reported a greater decrease in quality of life than caregivers for NT children. There are limitations to this study in terms of the composition of the sample and the survey methodology, but we are able to conclude that caregivers of children with ADHD and/or ASD have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, and it is imperative that these families receive additional resources and support to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith W. Pecor
- Department of Biology, The College of New Jersey, Ewing, NJ 08628, USA;
| | - Georgia Barbayannis
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (G.B.); (J.J.); (D.G.)
| | - Max Yang
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.Y.); (S.M.)
| | - Jacklyn Johnson
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (G.B.); (J.J.); (D.G.)
| | - Sarah Materasso
- College of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; (M.Y.); (S.M.)
| | - Mauricio Borda
- Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10467, USA;
| | - Disleidy Garcia
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (G.B.); (J.J.); (D.G.)
| | - Varsha Garla
- College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA;
| | - Xue Ming
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers University-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (G.B.); (J.J.); (D.G.)
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30
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Celik H, Acikel SB, Ozdemir MAF, Aksoy E, Oztoprak U, Ceylan N, Yuksel D. Evaluation of the clinical characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy and the perception of their parents on quality of life. Epilepsy Res 2021; 172:106599. [PMID: 33725663 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is among the serious clinical pictures of early childhood, and its main symptoms are qualitative dysfunction in social interactions with impairment of verbal and nonverbal communication and limitations in interests and activities. METHODS This study aimed to examine the clinical conditions that mediate this comorbidity, compare parental quality of life in isolated ASD and ASD with epilepsy, demonstrate the relationships between clinical and EEG findings obtained in diagnostic evaluation, and examine the results in light of the literature. RESULTS The study sample consisted of 154 ASD patients; 26 were girls (16.9 %) and 128 (83.1 %) were boys. Of the patients with epilepsy, seizures were focal in 14 patients (9.1 %), generalized in 9 patients (5.8 %), and unspecified in 1 patient (0.6 %). Intellectual ability was found to be a significant predictor of epilepsy diagnosis. Mean (SD) total scores in the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire were 131.84 (10.68) among mothers of children with ASD-epilepsy and 148.33 (14.03) among mothers of children with ASD alone (P < .001). CONCLUSION Many psychiatric and medical conditions can co-occur with ASD. Determining the prognostic criteria for ASD is of great importance in coordinating lifelong autism rehabilitation. Improving autism-specific symptoms will benefit children with ASD as well as help mitigate parental anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Celik
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - S Burak Acikel
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - M Akif Fatih Ozdemir
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Erhan Aksoy
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Ulku Oztoprak
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Nesrin Ceylan
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Deniz Yuksel
- Department of Pediatric Neurology (DY) University of Health Sciences, Dr. Sami Ulus Maternity and Children's Health and Diseases Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
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31
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Ismail MF, Safii R, Saimon R, Rahman MM. Quality of Life Among Malaysian Parents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Child: The Double ABCX Model Approach. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:113-123. [PMID: 33635421 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-04929-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
This paper reported the quality of life (QoL) of 260 Malaysian parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and factors which influencing it. About half of these parents reported to having good QoL. The factors identified in the double ABCX model showed that perceived social support and sense of coherence (SOC) were mediated by coping strategies and had a positive direct and indirect effect on parents' QoL. These finding reiterate the importance of social support, coping skills, and strong SOC reflection skills in influencing the QoL of parents with ASD child. We therefore suggest parents to utilize the widely available social and organization supports to gain good QoL, which is also important for the wellbeing of their child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Fahmi Ismail
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Razitasham Safii
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Rosalia Saimon
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Md Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Community Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), 94300, Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Assessing the engagement of children and families in selecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and developing their measures: a systematic review. Qual Life Res 2020; 30:983-995. [DOI: 10.1007/s11136-020-02690-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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Bertelli MO, Del Furia C, Bonadiman M, Rondini E, Banks R, Lassi S. The Relationship Between Spiritual Life and Quality of Life in People with Intellectual Disability and/or Low-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. JOURNAL OF RELIGION AND HEALTH 2020; 59:1996-2018. [PMID: 31602541 DOI: 10.1007/s10943-019-00891-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Spirituality seems to represent a relevant domain in the person-centred care planning and outcome assessment for persons with intellectual disability and low-functioning autism spectrum disorder. Despite this, the impact of spirituality on subjective well-being and quality of life (QoL) has been scarcely investigated. The aim of the present study was to map the international scientific literature in order to identify the reasons of such misconsideration and the key points for future research and practice implementation. The relationship between spirituality and QoL depends on a complexity of factors, ranging from QoL theoretical models to services' organisation. Personal attitude, family members, health and social-care personnel, training, faith and life communities, and even different religions seem to deserve an in-depth analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco O Bertelli
- CREA (Centro Ricerca E Ambulatori), Fondazione San Sebastiano, Via del Sansovino, 176, 50142, Florence, Italy.
| | - Chiara Del Furia
- CREA (Centro Ricerca E Ambulatori), Fondazione San Sebastiano, Via del Sansovino, 176, 50142, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Don Orione, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Rondini
- CREA (Centro Ricerca E Ambulatori), Fondazione San Sebastiano, Via del Sansovino, 176, 50142, Florence, Italy
- Istituto Don Orione, Florence, Italy
- Dipartimento di Filosofia, Scienze Sociali, Umane e della Formazione, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roger Banks
- National Senior Psychiatry Lead, NHS England, Leeds, UK
| | - Stefano Lassi
- Associazione Trisomia 21 Onlus, Florence, Italy
- Facoltà Teologica dell'Italia Centrale, Florence, Italy
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Öz B, Yüksel T, Nasiroğlu S. Depression-Anxiety Symptoms and Stigma Perception in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Noro Psikiyatr Ars 2020; 57:50-55. [PMID: 32110151 PMCID: PMC7024823 DOI: 10.29399/npa.23655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In our study, the effect of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on the internalized stigma perception, symptoms of depression and anxiety and the quality of life is investigated in the mothers of children with this disorder. METHODS Our research includes 69 patients who applied to Dicle University Medical School Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department polyclinic between April 20-December 25, 2017 and were followed-up at least 6 months with ASD diagnosis. Socio-demographic data form assessing the personal and familial characteristics of the patients were filled out by the clinician. Patients' mothers were applied Beck Depression Scale (BDS), Beck Anxiety Scale (BAS), Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness (ISMI) Scale and Autism Quality of Life Questionnaire - Parent Version (AQoLQPV). RESULTS Of the 69 patients participated in the study, 58 patients were boys (84%) and 11 patients were girls (16%) and the mean age was 4,5±1,3 years. Perception of internalized stigma, depression and anxiety symptoms of the patients' mothers were detected as moderate. Patients' mothers' quality of life and life satisfaction score were found to be low. A significant positive relationship was found between the internalized stigma perception and the symptoms of anxiety and depression. A significant positive correlation was detected between the anxiety symptoms and the depression symptoms. A significant negative relationship was found between internalized stigma perception, symptoms of anxiety and depression and mother quality of life sub-scale, sub-scale of how the autism-specific challenges are perceived as problems by the parents and life satisfaction score. CONCLUSION With this study it was detected that as the education level of the mothers of the children followed-up with autism diagnosis increased, their internalized stigma perception decreased. It was demonstrated that there was a significant positive relationship between the internalized stigma perception and the symptoms of anxiety and depression in mothers. It was also detected that as the mothers' internalized stigma perception increased, their quality of life decreased. Investigating the internalized stigma perception, symptoms of anxiety-depression and quality of life of the mothers of the children diagnosed with autism, our study emphasizes the necessity for handling these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Büşra Öz
- Düzce Atatürk State Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Düzce, Turkey
| | - Tuğba Yüksel
- Dicle University Medical School Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Diyarbakır, Turkey
| | - Serhat Nasiroğlu
- Akdeniz University Medical School Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Antalya, Turkey
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Dey M, Paz Castro R, Haug S, Schaub MP. Quality of life of parents of mentally-ill children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci 2019; 28:563-577. [PMID: 30078381 PMCID: PMC6999041 DOI: 10.1017/s2045796018000409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To examine the quality of life (QOL) of parents of children with a specific mental disorder (any age). METHODS Relevant articles were searched using different databases. Articles were included that compared the QOL of parents with mentally-ill children to parents of healthy controls or norm values or provided the required data for this comparison. A meta-analysis was conducted to obtain an overall mean effect size estimate. Additional analyses were performed to assess publication bias and moderation. RESULTS Twenty-six out of 10 548 articles met the pre-defined inclusion criteria. Most of these studies focused on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder, used clinical samples that mainly included males and young children and studied the QOL of mothers. The meta-analysis revealed that parents of mentally-ill children are experiencing a clinically relevant reduction in their QOL relative to parents of healthy children and norm values (g = -0.66). CONCLUSIONS The compromised QOL of parents of mentally-ill children needs to be considered and addressed by health professionals who are in contact with them. The paper provides insights into existing research gaps and suggests improvements for subsequent work.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Dey
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R. Paz Castro
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - S. Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - M. P. Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Self-compassion: A Novel Predictor of Stress and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4039-4052. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Mathew NE, Burton KLO, Schierbeek A, Črnčec R, Walter A, Eapen V. Parenting preschoolers with autism: Socioeconomic influences on wellbeing and sense of competence. World J Psychiatry 2019; 9:30-46. [PMID: 30915270 PMCID: PMC6422881 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v9.i2.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research suggests that parents raising a child with autism experience higher levels of psychological distress than parents of typically developing children and parents of children with other developmental disorders. Little is known, however, about the intersection between the effects of socioeconomic status (SES) on the wellbeing and sense of parental competency of parents of pre-schoolers with autism and how it relates to child symptom severity.
AIM To examine the relationship between their child’s symptom severity, SES, as measured by neighbourhood advantage and occupational status, on the psychological wellbeing and perceived parenting competence among parents of preschoolers with autism.
METHODS Parents of 117 preschool-aged children with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 107 mothers and 54 fathers, completed questionnaires about their child’s symptoms of ASD and functioning, their own perceptions of their wellbeing and parental competence on entry to an early intervention program in Sydney, Australia. Parents also provided demographic information pertaining to their occupation, level of education attained and address (postcode). All children were also assessed for their severity of symptoms using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. The Australian Socioeconomic Index of occupational status as a measure of familial SES and the Index of Relative Socio-economic Advantage and Disadvantage as a measure of neighbourhood advantage were used to examine the impact of SES on parental sense of competence and wellbeing.
RESULTS Compared to normative populations, both mothers and fathers in our sample reported significantly higher levels of parenting sense of efficacy but lower levels of interest in the parenting role. Mothers also displayed higher levels of satisfaction. Both mothers and fathers displayed higher levels of depression than normative populations with mothers also reporting greater levels of stress and anxiety. Child symptom severity was associated with maternal parenting competency with these relationships amplified among mothers with higher familial SES and who lived in areas of greater neighbourhood advantage. Increased adaptive functioning was associated with better maternal wellbeing, particularly among mothers who lived in areas of greater neighbourhood advantage. Contrastingly, paternal parenting competence was generally not influenced by child adaptive functioning or symptom severity, although for those in higher familial SES brackets, children’s symptom severity and maladaptive symptoms were negatively related to paternal sense of parenting efficacy. There was a trend towards moderate relationships between lower familial SES and greater depression, stress and anxiety among fathers, but no relationship with their child’s ASD symptom severity or functioning.
CONCLUSION SES differentially impacts wellbeing and sense of parenting competence and its relationship to the impact of child symptoms for mothers and fathers of preschoolers with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha E Mathew
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Karen L O Burton
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Anne Schierbeek
- Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan, Amsterdam 1081 HV, The Netherlands
| | - Rudi Črnčec
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Amelia Walter
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney and Ingham Institute, South West Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, ICAMHS, Mental Health Centre (Level L1), Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool NSW 1871, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney and Ingham Institute, South West Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, ICAMHS, Mental Health Centre (Level L1), Locked Bag 7103, Liverpool NSW 1871, Australia
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Parenting an Adult with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-28833-4_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Özgür BG, Aksu H, Eser E. Factors affecting quality of life of caregivers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Indian J Psychiatry 2018; 60:278-285. [PMID: 30405252 PMCID: PMC6201674 DOI: 10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_300_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Since autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong disease and because of its nature, the negative effects of the disease on the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers as well as patients are incontrovertible. AIMS It was aimed to evaluate the effect of the variables related to both parents and children on the QoL scores of the parents of the children with ASD. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This is a causality analysis study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Questionnaire on sociodemographic/disease-related variables, QoL in Autism Questionnaire-Parent Version (QoLA-P), autism behavior checklist and Clinical Global Impression scale were assessed of 162 patients with ASD. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Unpaired t- test, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and one-way ANOVA test were used for comparing groups. The parameters found to be statistically significant for QoLA-P in different analyses were included as the independent variable in the logistic regression analysis. The backward (variable elimination) model was selected as the model in the analysis. RESULTS The causality has been established may be stated as the severity of autism, the presence of psychiatric disorder in the mother/father, attendance of the child at school, duration since the diagnosis of autism, and the child's medication use. CONCLUSIONS Autism affects the QoL of caregivers. The intervention of treatment by considering the factors that affect the QoL positively or negatively may increase the QoL of caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Börte Gürbüz Özgür
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Mugla Sitki Kocman University Training and Research Hospital, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Hatice Aksu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Adnan Menderes University, 09010 Efeler/Aydin, Turkey
| | - Erhan Eser
- Department of Public Health, Celal Bayar University, Manisa, Turkey
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Leadbitter K, Aldred C, McConachie H, Le Couteur A, Kapadia D, Charman T, Macdonald W, Salomone E, Emsley R, Green J. The Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ): An Ecologically-Valid, Parent-Nominated Measure of Family Experience, Quality of Life and Prioritised Outcomes for Early Intervention. J Autism Dev Disord 2018; 48:1052-1062. [PMID: 29150738 PMCID: PMC5861155 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3350-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
There is a lack of measures that reflect the intervention priorities of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and that assess the impact of interventions on family experience and quality of life. The Autism Family Experience Questionnaire (AFEQ) was developed through focus groups and online consultation with parents, and reflected parental priorities. It was then administered to the parents of children enrolled in the Pre-school Autism Communication Trial and its 6-year follow-up study. The AFEQ showed good convergent validity with well-established measures of child adaptive functioning, parental mental health and parental wellbeing. It was sensitive to change in response to a parent-mediated intervention for young children with autism, showing treatment effect at treatment endpoint which increased at six-year follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Leadbitter
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Social Development Research Group, University of Manchester, Room 3.312, Jean McFarlane Building, Oxford Rd., Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | | | | | - Ann Le Couteur
- Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Northumberland, Tyne & Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Tony Charman
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Wendy Macdonald
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Erica Salomone
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Jonathan Green
- University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
- Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Manchester, UK
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Su X, Cai RY, Uljarević M. Predictors of Mental Health in Chinese Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 48:1159-1168. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3364-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Ozturk Y, Vivanti G, Uljarevic M, Dissanayake C. Treatment-related changes in children's communication impact on maternal satisfaction and psychological distress. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 56:128-138. [PMID: 27295207 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents of children with autism have been found to have reduced psychological well-being that has usually been linked to the stress related to managing their child's symptoms. As children's behavior and cognitive functioning are subject to change when suitable early intervention programs are put in place, it is plausible that positive treatment-related changes in the child will have a positive impact on parental distress. AIMS We undertook an individual differences study to investigate whether maternal psychological distress is affected by the outcomes of children receiving intervention. METHODS AND PROCEDURES The participants comprised 43 mothers of preschool children with ASD enrolled in an early intervention program for 12 months. OUTCOME AND RESULTS Child and family factors were linked to maternal psychological distress. However treatment-related changes in children's communication, as assessed on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales II, and parenting satisfaction uniquely contributed to psychological distress above and beyond other factors. A mediation analysis indicated that mothers whose children make treatment gains in communication skills experience lower levels of psychological distress as a consequence of higher levels of parenting satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The findings highlight improvements in everyday adaptive communication skills in children with ASD impact on mothers' satisfaction and distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ozturk
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Giacomo Vivanti
- AJ Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Mirko Uljarevic
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Cheryl Dissanayake
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, School of Psychological Science, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Rayan A, Ahmad M. Effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions on quality of life and positive reappraisal coping among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 55:185-196. [PMID: 27107368 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has supported mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to enhance quality of life (QOL) in different populations, but no studies have been found to examine the effectiveness of MBIs on QOL among parents of children with ASD. AIM The purpose of the current study was to examine the effectiveness of brief MBI on perceived QOL and positive stress reappraisal (PSR) among parents of children with ASD. METHODS A quasi-experimental, with nonequivalent control group design was used. One hundred and four parents of children with ASD were equally assigned to the intervention and control groups. The study groups were matched on measures of their gender and age, and level of severity of ASD in children. The intervention group participated in MBI program for 5 weeks, while the control group had not attended the program. RESULTS After the intervention program, results of paired samples t-test indicated that parents in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in measures of psychological health domain of QOL, social health domain of QOL, mindfulness, and positive stress reappraisal with medium to large effect size (P<0.01). The control group demonstrated improvement in measures of the dependent variables with small effect size. CONCLUSION MBI is culturally adaptable, acceptable, and effective method to improve QOL and PSR in parents of children with ASD.
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Influence of Autism Traits and Executive Functioning on Quality of Life in Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:2734-43. [PMID: 25835211 PMCID: PMC4553152 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) often experience a low Quality of Life (QoL). We studied if IQ, early language development, current autism traits, and daily Executive Functions (EFs) are related to QoL in children (aged 8–12 years) with ASD (N = 120) and typically developing (TD) children (N = 76). Children with ASD showed a lower QoL than TD children. This lower QoL was related to higher levels of autism traits and EF deficits. Moreover, specific autism traits and EFs were related to specific QoL subdomains. The low QoL and the aggravating effects of autism traits and EF deficits indicate a potential to identify and target such factors in treatment to improve QoL.
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