EFFECTIVENESS OF COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL PROGRAM ON REDUCING MOTHERS' BURDEN OF CARE OF THEIR CHILDREN WITH AUTISM DISORDER

Abstract

Background: Children with autism have trouble communicating, they also have trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expressions and touch. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the effect of cognitive-behavioral program on reducing mothers' burden of care of their children with Autistic disorders. Methodology: A quasi experimental research design with pre-post assessment was used. The study subjects included 45 mothers with Autistic children attending childs' Clinics of El-A bbassia Governmental Hospital and childrens' Centers at El-Fayoum city as Sondos Academy within a period of 6 months with their children. Results: This study concluded that the prevalence of autism was much higher among females in this Egyptian sample. There was statistically significant differences pre and post program between the level of mothers’ knowledge, skills and behavior. There was a highly statistically significant difference between pre and post program as regards the total scores of mothers' coping pattern to decrease their psychological and social stresses, which improved in post program. There were statistically significant positive correlations between parents' burden and daily living activities among the children studied. Recommendation: The stydy will help to develop educational programs to increase mothers’ knowledge and awareness about the nature and management of autism all over the country.