Correlation between Family Function and Parenting Self-Efficacy in Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

@#Objective To analyze the correlation of family function with parenting self-efficacy (PSE) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) family. Methods Cohort study was carried out. From August, 2015 to February, 2016, caregivers of ASD children (n=142) and healthy children (n=131) were enrolled into investigation group (n=173) and control group (n=131). They were assessed with Family Assessment Device (FAD) and Tool to Measure Parenting Self-efficacy (TOPSE). Results There were significant differences in the scores of FAD and TOPSE between two groups (P<0.05). The scores of FAD were lower in the high income, urban ASD families than in the low income, rural ASD families (P<0.05). The scores of FAD negatively correlated with the scores of TOPSE in the ASD families (r=-0.152 to -0.257, P<0.05). Conclusion The family function and level of PSE of the ASD families was obviously inferior to the healthy families, and the worse the family function is, the lower the level of PSE will be. Individualized and family-centered intervention strategies should be developed to provide a good family environment for the rehabilitation of children with ASD.