Socio-economic and demographic factors associated with adaptive behaviour among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Egypt

Abstract

Background Adaptive behaviour among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder determines wide range of self-independent and autonomous activities. Adaptive behaviour is a clearly defined measurable variable that can be used as an outcome, hence impacts intervention and training programs. The current study aims to determine the socio-economic and demographic factors that are associated with adaptive behaviour among children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in Egypt. In this observational cross sectional study, caregivers’ reports on their children with a confirmed diagnosis of autism spectrum were obtained. Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale was used to assess adaptive behaviour among children aged 3–6 years and admitting at the outpatient clinic. Socioeconomic Status Scale was used to assess family socioeconomic status. Results Participants in the current study scored low in domains of adaptive behaviour. Older children scored low in adaptive behaviour compared to younger children. There was significant positive correlation between daily living activities subdomain of adaptive behaviour and education, occupation, family possessions, and home sanitation and health care domains of socioeconomic status scale. There were significant positive correlations between socialization subdomain of adaptive behaviour and education, occupation, family, and family possessions and home sanitation domains of the socioeconomic status scale. The motor functioning subdomain of adaptive behaviour correlates significantly with the following SES domains: education (r = .268), occupation (r = .274), family possessions (r = .232), economic (r = .195) and health care (r = .291). Results of the current study revealed that high socioeconomic status correlates with higher adaptive functioning in daily living skills, socialisation and motor skills domains of adaptive behaviour. Conclusion The correlations detected in the current study between adaptive behaviour and some social determinants of health can influence stakeholders’ decisions in planning and implementation of autism specific interventions.

Socio-economic Status in Egyptian Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Does it affect Autism Severity?

“…This is due to better parental awareness and education as well as better access to medical services among the higher SES as confirmed by many other studies. Similar results attributed this finding to either a lack of knowledge among families with lower SES or to patients in the high socioeconomic group having ASDs that were more severe and required earlier medical treatment (30) .…”

Socio-economic and Demographic Factors Associated with Adaptive Behavioural Functions of Children Diagnosed with Intellectual Disability in Ethiopia

“…In another study of socio economic and demographic factors associated with adaptive behavior in Egypt, Ibrahim et al, (2020) found that the adaptive behaviour functions among the children diagnosed with autism disorder difference significantly according to age in all domains. They used Vinland Adaptive behavioural scale to assess the informants' adaptive level.…”

Special Education Practices for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in the UK and Egypt A comparative Study

“…As a result, this contributes to the unmet needs of pupils with ASD in Egypt, which could have a dramatic impact on the child ‫الرتبوية‬ ‫العلوم‬ ‫يف‬ ‫للبحوث‬ ‫الدولية‬ ‫ملجلة‬ ‫ا‬ and family's well-being (Gobrial 2018;Taha & Hussein 2014). Further challenges include scarce knowledge of ASD, scarcity of professionals, barriers to diagnosis and treatment, limited resources for ASD and lack access to intervention services (Ibrahim et al 2020;Gobrial, McAnelly & Shannon 2019;Ghoneim 2014;Gobrial 2012;Jenkins, Heshmat, Loza, Siekkonen & Sorour 2010).…”