Investigating the characteristics of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are attending Theeraniyam Open School and Learning Center in Batticaloa

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a type of neurodevelopmental disorder, characterized by mainly persistent impairments in bilateral communication and social interactions, and limited, stereotyped patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has increased globally from 0.62% in 2012 to 1.0% in 2021. In line with the global trend, the prevalence of ASD is increasing in Sri Lanka and it seems that the disorder severely affecting the both child and parents also. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder who are attending ‘Theeraniyam Open School and Learning Center’ in Batticaloa. A descriptive study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of children with autism spectrum disorder who are attending ‘Theeraniyam Open School and Learning Center’ in Batticaloa by interviewing 41 parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder. A complete enumeration method was used to recruit participants. After obtaining informed consent, data were collected through a validated interviewer-administered questionnaire. Statistical Package of Social Sciences 26 was used to analyze the data. According to the socio-demographic pattern of the children with ASD (n=41), 85.4% were male, 87.8% were from urban areas, highest number of children (41.5%) were found under 4-6 years and 7-9 years’ age group and more than half of children (58.5%) were first born child. The findings with regard to characteristic features of the ASD children include, most of the parents (43.9%) identified their child’s abnormalities at >36 months of age of the child. 53.7% of parents observed that their child had speech delay as first observation. 41.5% of children had speak few words only and 73.2% had poor eye contact. Hyperactivity was the predominant (80.5%) behavioral issue among children and 51.2% of children had sensory issue in touch. 41.5% were born as preterm or post term. 63.4% born through caesarean section and 31.7% had abnormal birth symptoms during delivery. 61% of children spend >4 hours by using screen media. According to the perceptions of the parents regarding the type of therapies and interventions, commonest therapy which was given to the children was behavioral therapy, 58.5% of parents mentioned as speech therapy was the well respond therapy and 43.9% of parents mentioned as class room activity was well respond intervention given in Theeraniyam for their child. 34.1% of parents had financial issues while take care of the children with ASD, 39% of parents had difficulties to take care of other children as they fully engage with the ASD child. 41.5% of parents mentioned that they have social burden regarding child with ASD. The study can be concluded as most of the children have shown the characteristic features of delay in speech, hyperactivity, poor eye contact and sensory impairments especially in touch. The significant risk factors were; born as preterm or post term baby, born through caesarean delivery, and born with abnormal birth symptoms and increased usage of screen media such as smartphones, television and laptops. The perceptions of parents regarding the type of therapies and interventions,speech therapy and class room activity are the well respond therapy and intervention to their children in Theeraniyam. All the parents have a good level of awareness regarding the therapeutic options available for ASD in the learning Center. Majority of the parents had financial issues and social issues which affect their day-to-day life.