Self- Reliance of Parents Caring for Children with Autism

Background: Caring for children with Autism spectrum disorder regarding their daily activities is challenging for parents. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of nursing intervention program for parents caring of children with autism regarding their self-reliance. Design: A quasi-experimental research design was used in the present study, two groups (pre\ posttest). Setting: The study was carried out at children outpatient clinics of Suez Canal University Hospital & Outpatient Clinic for children Psychiatric Treatment at Abbasia Mental Health Hospital affiliated to General Secretariat of Mental Health and Addiction in Cairo Governorate. Subjects: Study subjects included all available (50) parents have children with autism from the mentioned settings that treat autism. Tools of data collection: A Structured interview questionnaire included four tools; Part 1: Socio-demographic characteristics of parents, Part 2: Characteristics of the studied children with autism. Tool II Assessment of parents' knowledge tool III: Assessing the parents reported practice regarding to self-reliance. Results: Revealed that more than two thirds (68%) of parents were mothers. The majority (88%) of studied parents had significant differences regarding their knowledge about identification of autism, causes, predictors and symptoms and management, in addition to improvement of their children self- reliance (84& 82%) regarding body shower and feeding post program implementation compared to preprogram. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant improvement in total knowledge of parents about autism and children self. Recommendations: Increase awareness through mass media about importance of early recognition of autism, seeking management and avoid neglect