Autism-Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Quality of Life of Children with ASD

Liu Zhen-Huan, Xie Qiao-Ling, Zhang-Yong and Wang Xiao-Zhen

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) describes a range of conditions classified as neurodevelopmental disorders in DSM-5, which are characterized by social deficits and communication difficulties, stereotyped or repetitive behaviours and interests, sensory issues, and in some cases, cognitive delays. In the past, autism was considered a rare condition, but plenty of recent studies indicate that prevalence can be nearly 1% for the broader autism spectrum. The researchers searched the digital library database for articles related to the quality of life (QoL) of autistic children. It proved that more research on the quality of life for autistic children and their parent’s abroad. However, the original study was flawed by ascertainment etiology, pathogenesis and early autistic symptoms. Domestic rare research reports on the quality of survival. Moreover, compared with other conditions there has been a lack of focus on quality of life (QoL).With the conversion of the biomedical model to the bio-psycho-social medical model, measuring for children and young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), thinking about how to improve the quality of life is more and more attention.

The most widely used diagnostic criteria for AD are those described in the revised text edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) of the American Psychiatric Association. This study examined Paediatric Quality of Life (PQOL) of autistic children, from a multidimensional perspective. The proposed model was based on the Cross-sectional survey, with Physiological function, emotional function, social function, and school performance as components. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of existing QoL questionnaires for use with children with ASD aged 8–12 years.

Method: 200 autistic children (male: 118, female: 82; 2 ~ 4 years old: 80, 5 ~ 7 year old: 87, 8 ~ 12 years old: 33) and 120 normal children (control group) are brought into this study. Separate path analyses were performed to evaluate models of QOL and Intelligent evaluation. The PedsQL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) as robust measures used with children with neurodevelopmental disorders.

Results: In the study, the test group had lower scores on the PedsQL4.0 universality Core scale, in comparison with the control group. Behaviour problems had a negative indirect effect on Community adaptation, mental health and school performance and a lower intelligence-related quality of life for children with autistic disorder and clinically significant autistic symptoms in comparison with children and fewer symptoms.

Conclusion: Results suggest greater impairment in adaptive functioning and emotional disorders. For high-functioning autism children, potential positive development played significant roles in rehabilitation, to achieve and maintain the best level of intervention. The severity of the disorder and social support coping strategies were related with Life self-care ability and adaptation, coping with intelligent obstacle seriously. Physicians are encouraged to evaluate for early treatment in the overall care plan.