Ardhanaari M.1 , Ashweeja N.2 , Prashant Jain3 , Karthigai Priya4 , Nappinnai N.R.5
BACKGROUND Autism is one of the most demanding types of disorders in terms of caregiver’s intervention. A significant amount of distress is always associated with a long term, pervasive intervention and attention given by the care giver. The above scenario leads to depression, adjustment disorder along with suicidal tendencies among the care givers leading to poor prognosis of the disease progress in children and emergence of stress related mental illness in the care givers. Pro-active assessment, diagnosis and management of the above among the care givers might be beneficial for both the child and the care giver along with other family members. METHODS This study was conducted in the special schools of Kancheepuram from December 2019 to February 2020. The cross-sectional study aimed to assess caregiver burden and the variations of burden with varying social and language development in parents of children with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). A total of 60 parents whose children were diagnosed to have Autism Spectrum Disorders were assessed to scale the caregiver burden using Burden Assessment Schedule, and semi structured socio-demographic questionnaire. RESULTS Majority of the caregivers showed an impact on multiple areas of life. 59 % of the caregivers showed significant impact on wellbeing with 84 % feeling depressed and anxious. Lack of appreciation for care was seen in 85 % of the caregivers. Relationship with others was very much impacted in about 14 % of the caregivers. Perceived severity of illness was impacted in 53 % population. CONCLUSIONS Bringing up a child with an autism spectrum disorder is a significant chronic stressor sufficient to disrupt various areas of an adult life and also to cause mental illnesses. Early recognition and management of burden is of immense value in the wellbeing of the caregiver, more importantly in the prognosis of the child’s disorder.
