Examination of family functionality perceived by the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is expressed as a neurodevelopmental disorder that is common in recent years and its symptoms begin to be observed in the first three years from birth. In order to evaluate children with ASD and to decide on the interventions, environmental conditions, especially the dynamics in the family where the child lives, should be carefully examined. In this study, the perceived family functioning level of the parents of children aged 3-8 years with ASD was examined according to the level of support needs of the children for ASD. At the same time, it was investigated whether the characteristics of the child's gender, age, parent's educational status, age, income level make a difference on the level of family functionality perceived by the parents. Children diagnosed with ASD and their parents, who receive service in special education centers in the provinces of Istanbul and Eskişehir in Turkey, participated in the study. A total of 68 parents participated in the study. Of the participants included in the study, 15 (22,1%) were parents of girls and 53 (77,9%) were parents of boys. In the study, "Sociodemographic Information Form" was used as a data collection tool, "Modified Autism Behavior Checklist (M-ABC)" was used to measure children's ASD behavior level, and " Family Assessment Device" (FAD)" was used to measure family functionality of parents. As a result of the analysis of the data, the total change in the level of Family Functioning (FAD scores) is explained by the degree of autism behavior at a rate of 12.9% (R2=0,129). The increase in the degree of being affected by autism increases the level of deterioration of family functionality. In other words, it was determined that the severity of autism in children with ASD predicted family functionality. The findings seem to be supported by previous studies in the literature. Especially "stress, depression, anxiety, etc." which are directly related to family functionality. It shows similar results with the results of studies in which psychological variables are studied.