RESEARCH & INNOVATION
O n the issue of assistance, the parents said they did not have any respite because some family members do not understand the unique needs of the children with ASD. Dr. Scantlebury surmised that this lack of respite can lead to mental strain, anxiety, stress and increased risk of child abuse. Mothers were found to be significantly more depressed or anxious, less satisfied with their social life and leisure time, and they had more health problems. She said this was unsurprising because mothers were the primary caregivers. Despite these issues, the parents viewed themselves as having a moderate quality of life, and both fathers and mothers did not appear to have a different quality of life. The researcher said, “Parents
Dr. Gabrielle Scantlebury Senior Registrar Department of Paediatrics Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH)
“In children with severe disabilities, the parents have to take care of the children longer, and they have increasing problems such as with their finances and health and still have to care for their growing children.” She said one of the most troubling issues for parents was the child’s inability to socialise and communicate their needs. Other challenges were financial–having to cater to the unique needs of children with ASD in addition to providing food, shelter and clothing; and provision of extensive therapy and special education. The researcher said public schools that catered specifically for these children can be difficult to access due to high demand, and accessing private institutions that offer such services was costly.
Spectrum Disorders in Trinidad” that explored how children’s autistic symptoms affected their parents’ quality of life. The study was conducted in the first quarter of 2020 and involved parents of children formally diagnosed with ASD by a developmental-behavioural paediatrician or a paediatrician specialising in ASD. Questionnaires were used to acquire data from those who used clinics in the north and south of the country. Most of the respondents averaged 38 years of age, were mothers, had wards who were approximately seven years old, and were predominantly from the north of the country. B ased on the results, the parental quality of life decreased significantly as children grew older. Additionally, Dr. Scantlebury reported a highly significant negative correlation between parental quality of life and the severity of the symptoms.
should have easier access to government financial grants,
and this should be a streamlined process. Assessments and therapy needed to diagnose and manage children with ASD should be provided free of cost in the public sector. Specialty training should be provided for teachers, [and] there should be more free public schools and early intensive behavioural intervention programmes along with individualised educational plans.” The Senior Registrar called for public education campaigns on ASD, for systems to be put in place to facilitate easier assimilation of parents and children in communities, and further research on ASD in Trinidad. l
CHILL NEWS 57
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