Does Function Level of Individuals With Autism Spectrum Disorder Affect The Family Impact?

Abstract

The aim of our study is to examine the effect of differences in the levels of functionality of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) on level of family involvement.Our study has been carried out with the relatives of ASD individuals attending Aydın Efeler Municipality Autism Sports and Life Center. The Pediatric Functional Independence Criterion (WeeFIM) has been used to determine the functional independence levels of children, and The Family Impact Scale (FIS) has been used to measure the impact on the families of children with chronic disabilities. Our study was completed with the assessment of 98 individuals diagnosed with ASD (age=10.17±5.11, gender=15 female/83 male) and 98 pairs of their parents. The total WeeFim score was determined as 94.73 ±20.26 (independent) and the family impact scale scores were determined as 63.03 ± 12. The correlation analysis showed the sub WeeFIM impact the financial burden my family, self-care, communication, social status were statistically significant and weak correlation score between the total score (p<0.05; respectively, r=-0.025, r=-0.027, r=-0.310, r=-0.273). There was also a statistically significant, negative and moderate correlation between the total impact score of the FIS and the social status of the WeeFIM (p<0.00; r=-0.402).This study shows that family influence on individuals with ASD affects their social status. In addition, self-care, communication skills, and social status negatively affect individuals with more financial problems. In families with individuals with ASD, the independence of children affects the quality of life of families.