Autism in East Malaysia: A Survey Among Parents of Children with ASD in Kota Kinabalu Sabah

Prescilla C. Apok(1*), Norshidah Mohd Salleh(2)
  • (1) National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
  • (2) National University of Malaysia, 43600 Bangi, Selangor
  • (*) Corresponding Author

Abstract

The aim of this study is to understand the characteristics ASD children, past and present service utilization, parental stigma, and support networks received by families raising ASD children in Kota Kinabalu Sabah. A quantitative study was conducted on 44 parents of children with ASD using the Affiliate Stigma Scale and the Family Support Scale (FSS). In general, the children first show ASD symptoms at the average age of 28.1 months (SD 17.3) and the average age of diagnosis is 46 months (SD 23.4). The validity of the instruments in this study is high with the Cronbach's alpha value of 0.93 for stigma and 0.81 for family support. 56.8% children with ASD in this study have no-verbal ability or able to use single words. The findings show that the average age of children with ASD in this study is 7.7 years. The most common characteristic of ASD children is showing no response when their name is called, no eye contact, lack of speech ability compared other children of the same age, delayed speech, difficulty in interacting with others, and behavioral problems. Most diagnoses were done by psychiatrists and pediatricians. Occupational therapy is the most widely used therapy, followed by speech and language therapy, sensory integration therapy, and behavior al therapy. Behaviorists and psychiatrists are the commonly used specialists. Half of parents say they sometimes experience frustration when it comes to providing services for their children. Overall, the levels of stigma and family support network are low.

Keywords

Autism (ASD); child characteristics perceive stigma; family support network

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.32698/GCS-04300

International Conference on Special Education In South East Asia Region 10th Series 2020

International Conference on Special Education In South East Asia Region 10th Series 2020

Redwhite Press

2685-5984

2685-5933

March 2020

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