Development of some self-care skills for children with an autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of an intervention program implemented in Saudi Arabia, aimed at equipping children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with essential self-care skills. The research employed a quasi-experimental design, encompassing both an intervention group and a non-intervention group. The results of the study revealed that following the implementation of the intervention, the experimental group exhibited a noteworthy enhancement in their self-care capabilities in comparison to the control group. The results of the study revealed a noteworthy disparity in the post-test scores between the experimental group and the control group, thus providing compelling evidence for the effectiveness of the training program in fostering the development of self-care skills. The findings align harmoniously with previous research endeavors that have explored effective strategies for enhancing self-care skills among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The intervention demonstrated a commendable display of cultural sensitivity by duly considering the intricacies of Saudi Arabian culture, which places great value on the significance of familial and communal bonds. The efficacy of the intervention can be attributed to its astute consideration of cultural norms and its inclusive approach involving parents and other caretakers. The results of this study suggest that the integration of culturally appropriate modifications to evidence-based interventions holds promise in facilitating the development of self-sufficiency and improving the overall quality of life for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The study's limitations, including its modest sample size and absence of extended follow-up, warrant further inquiry into strategies to enhance the study's robustness and applicability.