Exploring the patterns of participation and participation restrictions in school-aged children with mild to moderate autism in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

Introduction: Participation is one of the most important health outcomes for children and adolescents, as it leads to increased emotional, psychological well-being and improved quality of life. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) participate in fewer activities and with less frequency than their typically developing peers, but little is known about their participation patterns from their own perspectives. The self-report Participation Questionnaire has been developed and designed using the different life domains of participation according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and was used with individuals with intellectual impairment. This study aimed to describe the patterns of participation and participation restrictions of school-aged children with mild to moderate ASD. To do this, the adapted short version of the Participation Questionnaire was used to guide structured interviews and gain the perspectives of school-aged children with ASD regarding their experiences of participation. Methods: A quantitative non-experimental design using structured interviews was utilised in this study. The Participation Questionnaire was adapted to accommodate the population, namely children with ASD. Non-probability purposeful sampling was used to recruit 10 children between 10.0 to 17.11 years of age with ASD residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the results and the ICF coding system was used to categorise the items into ICF life domains. Results and conclusions: Significant participation restrictions were highlighted in the areas of communication, interpersonal interactions and relationships, mobility and in community participation. Positive trends were documented in the areas of self-care and domestic life as well as daily tasks and demands.

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