Activity Participation of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder at Home and Community

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing; one child in 160 has an ASD and subsequent disability (World Health Organization, 2013). A new survey state that in Bangladesh at least 17 per 10,000 babies diagnosed with ASD and in urban area the prevalence is high and boys are more sufferers (Autism prevalence high in urban areas, 2019). Caregivers state that Children with ASD has sensory processing difficulty and behavior problem which keep away themselves to participate in day to day daily living activities as well as which has great impact on social engagement (Schaaf et al., 2013). Sensory feature of the environment or the activity impact on child’s participation .Around 45-96 percent children with ASD shows sensory difficulties (Lane et al., 2010). Through this study evidence based on sensory related environmental barrier identified and modified the sensory environment according to need which increases participation. The main objective of the study is to explore the status of activity participation of Children with ASD at home and community. Descriptive cross sectional study design was selected to conduct this study. Data collected through Participation and Sensory Environment Questionnaire (P-SEQ). Caregiver average age 33.60 years old (mean 33.60) and the childs average age was 6 years old (mean 6.051) with 76.9% boy and 23.1% girl. 76% participants from urban community and 49% identified as middle income family. The majority of children with ASD have impaired speech (49%). Among Children with ASD hyper sensitive and sensory seeking response 38.5% and 61.5% respectively. According to caregiver sensory feature of the environment or activity has lot of impact in home activities but a lot and too much impact found in community activities. In case of sensory seeking child a lot of impact found on Dressing and Bathing (35.90%), Toileting (37.50%), Falling Asleep (39.10%) and Brushing (43.80%). In case of hypersensitive similarly found a lot of impact on Dressing, Putting on Socks and Shoes, Tooth Brushing Meal Time with Family Members and Play with Toys accordingly 35.00%, Falling Asleep and Play with Siblings or other Children in the Home accordingly 37.50%. Too much impact has identified on Library Activities and Sporting Event of Another (35.0%), Sporting Event of the Child, Swimming and Movies/Theaters (32.50%), Religious Service, Event, or Education, Dental Appointments and Procedures and Using a Public V Bathroom (30.00%). A lot of impact identified on Family Parties at Another’s Home (40.60%), play with other children outside of home and school (40%), Religious Service, Event, or Education, Play at the Playground/Park and Sporting Event of Another (35.90%). Most of the caregivers mentioned that among 15 activities participation in eating (99%), tooth brushing (94.20%), Toileting (93.30%), Dressing (89.40%) and Bathing (89.40%) are very important at home. Meals at Family or Friends’ home (80.30%), School (78.80%), Play at the Playground/Park (75.00%), Community events (72.10%) and Religious Service, Events or Education (72.00%) are very important at community. At home and community keeping or developing routine and presence of certain sensory features in the activity both strategies are most helpful for children with ASD. But Preparing and planning for participation in the activity and use of sensory strategies during the activity are most important for ASD with hyper response children. Other top level study can include Rehabilitation professional perspective about impact of sensory on activity and participation and combine and compare the findings from both professional and caregiver perspective. By this a standard evidence based guideline could be develop for responsible professional for ensuring proper treatment for children with ASD. Key words: Activity Participation, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Participation and Sensory Environment Questionnaire(P-SEQ).