Creation and Validation of an Educational Booklet on Autism Spectrum Disorder

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Special Education
• Family Support

Background:

• Families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant challenges.
• These challenges include communication difficulties, daily care needs, and school inclusion issues.
• Lack of timely diagnosis and inadequate psychological support exacerbate these difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate an educational booklet for families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• To address identified difficulties and informational needs of these families.
• To enhance the quality of life for children with ASD, their families, and educators.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive exploratory study employing a quali-quantitative approach.
• Data collected through open interviews with ten families of children with ASD and twelve judges.
• Analysis followed Bardin's recommended procedures for qualitative data.

Main Results:

• Identified key difficulties: communication deficits, daily care challenges, school exclusion, delayed diagnosis, and insufficient family psychological support.
• Highlighted informational needs: early diagnosis, crisis management, daily living skills, and educational inclusion rights.
• The developed booklet was validated by experts and family members, showing general quality improvement after revisions.

Conclusions:

• Validated educational materials are crucial for supporting families of children with ASD.
• Such resources can significantly improve the quality of life for children, families, and educators.
• Empowering families with information aids in managing challenges associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.