Relation between Awareness of Physiotherapy and Distress Level among Family Members of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder characterized by hypotonicity, poor balance and delayed gross motor milestones. Every 1 child amongst 100 has autism in India. Objectives: -This study was done to assess the relation between awareness of physiotherapy and distress level in ASD amongst family members of autistic child using self-administrated questionnaire and Brief family distress scale respectively. Methods: - Out of 85 family members of children’s with ASD, 60 family members were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. A written consent was taken and study was explained to them. All the parents were evaluated for awareness of physiotherapy in ASD treatment using self-administrated questionnaire. Distress level were evaluated using Brief family distress scale. Data was collected and analyzed using percentage values to make interpretations. Result: - 46.66% children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were functionally affected and family members of these autistic children were also not aware of the role of physiotherapy in autism spectrum disorder. Brief family distress scale scoring said that 53.33% family members have to work extremely hard every moment of every day to avoid having crisis. Conclusion: - Study concludes that there is lack of awareness of physiotherapy that is directly related to the high-level family distress amongst family members of children with autism spectrum disorder.