Abstract
BackgroundThe aims of this study were to explore to explore the viewpoints of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and professionals regarding the implementation of screening programs for ASD, to explore the challenges of the implementation of a universal screening program for ASD in Iran from their viewpoints, and, to explore their recommendations to overcome the potential challenges.MethodThis qualitative study was conducted using an inductive content analysis, between June 2018 and December 2018, in East-Azerbaijan province of Iran. Data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The participants were purposively selected among two groups: representatives of health system and representatives of children with ASD. A sample of 32 parents and 30 professionals were recruited in this study.ResultsTotally, 9 main themes and 23 sub-themes were extracted in three main areas including: viewpoints of the participants about universal screening for ASD, challenges in implementation of the universal screening program, and participants’ recommendations about how to overcome the potential challenges. Main challenges in implementation of the universal screening program included: shortages of ASD screening tools, weakness of the health system, lack of coordination among the ASD service providers, and social and ethical issues.ConclusionThe parents and the professionals had different viewpoints about the implementation of ASD universal screening program in Iran. According to the professionals, there is not enough rational to implement ASD screening program for all children. However, the parents believed that universal screening program is inevitable, and it should be implemented in primary health centers during the early child-care visits. The results of this study open up unspoken issues that could help in initiating the screening program not only in Iran but also in other low- and middle-income countries as well.
Highlights
The aims of this study were to explore to explore the viewpoints of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and professionals regarding the implementation of screening programs for ASD, to explore the challenges of the implementation of a universal screening program for ASD in Iran from their viewpoints, and, to explore their recommendations to overcome the potential challenges
The results of this study open up unspoken issues that could help in initiating the screening program in Iran and in other low- and middle-income countries as well
A qualitative study with phenomenology approach and using content analysis was conducted between June 2018 and December 2018, in East-Azerbaijan province of Iran, to address three main questions: how do caregivers of children with ASD and professionals perceive the importance of screening children for ASD?; What are the potential challenges of universal screening of children for ASD?; and, what are their suggestions/recommendations to overcome the potential challenges? We used Merriam & Tisdell’s practical guide to direct our study [22]
Summary
The aims of this study were to explore to explore the viewpoints of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and professionals regarding the implementation of screening programs for ASD, to explore the challenges of the implementation of a universal screening program for ASD in Iran from their viewpoints, and, to explore their recommendations to overcome the potential challenges. The prevalence of ASD is relatively unknown in most of the low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [2]. A better understanding of the potential for autism screening programs in LMICs is warranted given the global imbalances in population prevalence and knowledge on autism [3]. 1.3 million five-year-old children were screened for autism over three academic years [5]
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