The Importance of Self-Care Skills Development for Children With Autistic Spectrum Disorder From the Parents’ Perspective

This research aims to explore the awareness of parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder about rehabilitation services developing self-care skills. A quantitative research method was used in this work, which allows to form knowledge based on precise logic, mathematical-statistical calculations. The study included an online and paper-based questionnaire survey where 35 parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder have participated. The use of the quantitative method for data collection and analysis made it possible to rigorously adhere to the aim and the objectives of the study as well as to obtain objective results, test the accuracy of the hypothesis, and establish causation. The summary of the results showed that the majority of parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder (81.8%) have a clear idea of ​​the services aimed at improving self-care activities and realize the importance of performing them independently. For 6.7% of parents, it was important that their children can perform self-care activities independently, but they did not take steps in that direction, and only 26.7% wanted to seek professional help. However, as parents of children with autistic spectrum disorder, select rehabilitation services for enhancing their children’s skills, being aware of appropriate services, and suitable intervention approaches were considered to be important points for approving children’s future independent life.