Competency of Autism Spectrum Disorder Parents in Home-Based Occupational Therapy Intervention

During the Movement Control Order (MCO), parents were restricted to send their children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for occupational therapy intervention at hospitals or private centers. Most of the parents were supported by online materials and video-communications. However, parents’ competency in providing home-based therapy to their children is less studied and explored even before the MCO. Parents reported having a significant amount of stress in taking care of their children. Thus, the objectives of the study were to examine parents’ sense of competence and stress and to predict parents' sense of competence in providing home-based therapy based on demographic characteristics and level of stress. Data were collected via an online survey using Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS) and Parental Stress Scale (PSS). 125 parents of ASD children were approached and offered participation in this study. The samples of this study were parents and guardians of children with ASD. They were recruited using purposive sampling technique. The inclusion criteria were; (1) parents or guardians who had received occupational therapy intervention coaching via online method during the MCO; (2) parent attempted to do the home-based therapy at home by themselves as coached by therapist; and (3) able to read and understand either Malay or English. Parents of Children with ASD were excluded if their child has other comorbidities such epilepsy, attention deficit disorder or other conditions related to developmental disability. Potential participants were approached through Autism Advocacy and Family Support Networks to offer participation in this study Descriptive analysis was used to determine the level of sense of competence and stress among the parents of children with ASD, and general linear model was used to identify any associated factors (stress and demographic characteristics) to parent’s sense of competence. Result shows that parents or guardians were having high stress level in handling their ASD children during MCO. However, with the frequent guidance and support from occupational therapists, their level of competency increases. A significant output of this research is to expand knowledge about the experiences and difficulties facing parents during the MCO