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AWARENESS OF CAREGIVERS ABOUT EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER
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Abstract
Objective: This study investigated the awareness of caregivers of autistic children about early warning signs of autism spectrum disorder in the first 4 years of life. Methods: A survey research was conducted on 105 caregives, using a structural questionnaire based on the early warning signs of autism spectrum disorder, recommended by Autism Speaks Organization. Result: Speech delay and little response to names were the most common among the early signs detected by caregivers (60%, 45.7%, respectively), at mean age 20.37 ± 5.27 months old. Speech delay at 12-month-old was detected by 34.3% of caregivers, and by 98.1% at 24-month-old, 60% of caregivers found that their children had little to no response to names even at 12-month-old. However, there was significant delay when it comes to seeking treatment; the children were first examined for autism at the age of 28.82 ± 6.78-month-old and diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of 34.11 ± 7.28-month-old. Conclusion: The majority of caregivers detected early symptoms of autism spectrum disorder when children were under the age of 24-month-old, but delayed bringing children for examination and diagnosis. This research shows the importance of mass media with different methods to increase caregivers’ awareness so autistic children can receive early diagnosis and treatment
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Keywords
Autism spectrum disorder, caregivers, awareness, detect, children.
References
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