Early intervention in children with autism spectrum disorders in Republic of Macedonia
Date Issued
2016
Author(s)
Jurtoski, Filip
Abstract
Introduction: Epidemiological studies detected that autism spectrum disorders
(ASD) are currently raising, and there is a need for early effective interventions to
manage the characteristics of the disorder. The evidence suggests that early intervention
programs are beneficial for children with autism, often improving developmental
functioning and decreasing maladaptive behaviors and symptom severity.
The aim of this research is to gain the opinion of the parents of children with ASD in
Republic of Macedonia concerning the early intervention programs which are currently
being conducted.
Methodology: Internet based research was conducted from 1st of April until 1st of
June. Parents of children with ASD completed 72 questionnaires via an online Google
Form. The participants were from all across the Republic of Macedonia.
Results: Around 2/3 of participants started with early childhood treatments aged
between 2 and 4 years. The most popular treatments are: training of social skills in 24%
of children, psychomotor re-education in 22%, biomedical treatment and treatment with
medicaments in 26%. 38% are not satisfied with the current treatments. Around half of
participants were optimistic and expect a high level of improvement. One third of parents
spent between 250 and 350 Euros for the treatments.
Conclusions: In Republic of Macedonia there is no systematic approach to early
intervention services and programs. Sometimes they use unproven treatments which
can be dangerous for the health. ABA and TEACCH approaches are used for a very low
number of children. Authorities must start with use of certificated programs for training
the professionals.
(ASD) are currently raising, and there is a need for early effective interventions to
manage the characteristics of the disorder. The evidence suggests that early intervention
programs are beneficial for children with autism, often improving developmental
functioning and decreasing maladaptive behaviors and symptom severity.
The aim of this research is to gain the opinion of the parents of children with ASD in
Republic of Macedonia concerning the early intervention programs which are currently
being conducted.
Methodology: Internet based research was conducted from 1st of April until 1st of
June. Parents of children with ASD completed 72 questionnaires via an online Google
Form. The participants were from all across the Republic of Macedonia.
Results: Around 2/3 of participants started with early childhood treatments aged
between 2 and 4 years. The most popular treatments are: training of social skills in 24%
of children, psychomotor re-education in 22%, biomedical treatment and treatment with
medicaments in 26%. 38% are not satisfied with the current treatments. Around half of
participants were optimistic and expect a high level of improvement. One third of parents
spent between 250 and 350 Euros for the treatments.
Conclusions: In Republic of Macedonia there is no systematic approach to early
intervention services and programs. Sometimes they use unproven treatments which
can be dangerous for the health. ABA and TEACCH approaches are used for a very low
number of children. Authorities must start with use of certificated programs for training
the professionals.
Subjects
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