Parents’ Perceptions on the Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Behaviors of Learners with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Basis for Home Intervention Program
CENTRAL ASIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL AND NATURAL SCIENCE, 4 (3):
26-39 (June 2023)Abstract
This study determined the parents’ perceptions on the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the behaviors of the children with autism. This also unfolded the parents’ perceived needs, daily concerns and challenges and what coping strategies helped them get through the day with regard to their child’s behavior. The results of the study were then utilized to come up with a home intervention program to improve the learning of the children while securing a safe and conducive environment for them. Furthermore, this study followed a descriptive quantitative design with the aid of frequency, percentage, weighted mean and multiple regression analysis that helped identify, acknowledge and give focus on the perception of parents on the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the behaviors of children with ASD in some selected iCARE (Intervention Center for Autism and Related Exceptionalities) Special Education centers in the Philippines during the School Year 2021 – 2022. The findings of the study are the following: as to the profile of the respondents, majority of the respondents are female belongs to the age bracket of 31-40 who are college graduates, married, employed and mostly have 1 child with Level 1 severity. As to behavioral problems with ASD, majority of the parents agree when it comes to the observation of the behavioral problems of their children. Regarding the appetite of the children with ASD, majority of the respondents are unsure or uncertain vis-à-vis their children’s appetite or eating behavior. In terms of their children's sleeping habits, the majority of respondents believe that their children's sleeping habits are erratic. In terms of play behaviors, the majority of respondents do not agree on certain of their child's playing habits, such as playing sports outside and inside, and they prefer to play alone. The majority of respondents feel that all of the above are the causes of their child's behavioral changes, and that before the pandemic, the child participated in educational programs and treatments. Respondents are under a lot of stress and emotional pressure as caregivers for their children with ASD who are affected by the COVID-19 epidemic and home management strategies in place to make their home more conducive to learning. There is a substantial association between the respondents' demographic profile and the observed behaviors in their autistic child/children. There is a significant relationship between the parents' perceptions and the observed actions of their autistic child/children..