Effect of Maternal Condition on Autism Spectrum Disorde (ASD): In Sri Lankan Context

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a spread problem of whole the countries and it was estimated that the global prevalence of ASD to be one child in 160, which accounts 0.3% of the global burden of disease (World Health Organization- WHO, 2013). ‘‘The diagnosis of autism indicates that qualitative impairments in communication, social skills, and range of interests and activities exist. As no medical test can be performed to indicate the presence of autism, the diagnosis is based upon the presence or absence of specific behavior’’ (DSM-IV-TR; APA, 2000). Children who are suffering from ASD experience various complication including minimal social, emotional and social accomplishment, rough cognitive development and dysfunctional behaviors (Meirsschaut et al., 2010) and have hard comprehension (Wing 1981, 1992) with utilize explain nonverbal social and causal idea (Ehlers and Gillberg 1993; Gillberg and Gillberg 1989; Szatmari et al. 1989). The aim of the study is to evaluate how maternal condition affect on Autism Spectrum Disorder. To achieve the purpose of the research, 44 questionnaires were distributed to mothers who have ASD children. The sample was selected randomly from Reach beyond autism and child development centre which has good reputation for treatment of ASD children in Sri Lanka. Further, Descriptive statistical tools have been employed to analyze the quantitative data. Besides, this study used the Diagnostic and Statical Manual of mental disorder, 4th edition (DSM-iv) definition of ASD where ASD comprehend of Autistic Disorder. Furthermore, maternal condition has been identified based on the literature review. According to data, mothers who live in urban areas, their monthly income above 80 000 and mothers who had experience of uncomfortable sleep during their pregnancy indicate high percentage of total sample and it is more than 80%. Further, more than 45% mothers who have ASD child had a degree rather than other educational qualification. Thus, mothers who experienced mental disorder (stress) and severe frustration during their pregnancy period present more than 18% of total sample and minimum percentage indicate the physical disease, unmanageable stress, getting trauma experience during their pregnancy period is less than 13% of total sample. In addition, according to the research there are considerable results have been shown that factors affecting for the ASDs during their pregnancy period and researcher identified that maternal condition directly affect for the child to be growth from ASD in the future