The understanding of mother's in regards to their child's diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

Abstract

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Government of Bangladesh has taken many steps to improve condition of person or children with neuro-developmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) still remain a mysterious diagnosis for parents with much confusion especially for mothers because in context of Bangladesh mother spend more time with her child. To get a clear sense about mothers understanding regarding their childs diagnosis of ASD the study has been conducted over 18 mothers lives in Dhaka city and attending in special school where different therapy services are available besides special education. In this study participants has been interviewed using a structured open-ended questionnaire where there are sixteen questions included consisting of defining ASD diagnosis, features of ASD and mothers experience about different health care services whom they consulted to get exact diagnosis as well as for further help. After data collection those are analyzed using qualitative method and data analyzed through content analysis process. At the time of analysis three different themes and six different categories have been emerged. Several causes and features reported by mothers when they tried to define ASD diagnosis in brief and very few were able to give an accurate and clear explanation. Most of the participants could not described all the characteristics of ASD but showed satisfactory understanding on any one or two particular features. A greater amount from the participants have been consulted more than 3 different health professionals to get the exact diagnosis and most of the participant reported dissatisfaction on health professionals as they did not find health professionals procedure of screening and suggestions helpful and effective. All most all mothers expressed satisfactory comments about services of special school and all of them found speech therapy and occupational therapy very effective for their child and also reported that after joining special school they knew more about characteristics of ASD diagnosis than the health professionals outside school they consulted for help. Most mothers demonstrated poor understanding regarding ASD diagnosis and it is a matter of concern because it takes time to improve condition of children with ASD regarding learning new skills or shaping behavior pattern and if mother is confused about childs condition then it becomes more crucial for child to improve and also will result in more frustration for parents. On the other hand this study also concludes with that a greater professional training is highly needed for all health professionals as prevalence of ASD is increasing in Bangladesh day by day but these children can lead a normal life if proper care and environment given but often professionals failed to give appropriate suggestion to mothers and they struggles to help their child.