A Study to Assess the Knowledge on Autism Among Parents Attending at SRM General Hospital, Kattankulathur

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge on autism among parents and to associate the knowledge on autism among parents with their demographic variables and clinical variables. Methods: Quantitative approach and non-experimental descriptive research design was used. The data collection included two parts. Part A: Demographic variables, Part B: A Structured questionnaire to assess knowledge on autism among the parents. 50 parents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected as samples using non probability convenient sampling technique. The study was conducted at SRM General Hospital,Kancheepuram dt. Results: The data were analyzed and interpreted based on the objectives using descriptive and inferential statistics. Among 50 parents , 26 (52%) parents have moderately adequate knowledge, 21 (42%) parents have inadequate knowledge, 3 (6%) parents have adequate knowledge and there is no significant association on knowledge on autism with their demographic variables. Conclusion: The future of any society depends on its children. Parents are laying the foundation for their child’s lives. Parents must be supported, included as the primary caretaker and teacher of the child, and also give proper information about the care, disease condition and commercially available devices that can aid in achievement of independence of their children.