Importance of group therapy for children with sensory dysfunction (Autism): mother’s perspective.

Abstract

Background: In present world autism is a common disorder and difficulty in sensory integration is another common problem among the autistic children. There are many treatment invented to treat sensory dysfunction. Beside these Occupational therapy is a health profession and this profession work with sensory dysfunction. Occupational therapist uses a variety of group therapy for sensory dysfunction children. Arrangement of these groups is a new treatment media since 2005 in Bangladesh. This is not a key treatment media and according to researcher literature review there is lack of study in our country on parents perception about group therapy for this reason researcher try to explore the parents importance on group therapy for their autistic children with sensory dysfunction. Study Aim: To identify importance of group therapy for children with sensory dysfunction (autism) according to parent’s perception. Objectives of the study: 1. To know the perception about improvement of children with sensory dysfunction in group therapy. 2. To find out parents satisfaction on group therapy for their children with sensory dysfunction. Methodology: In this study researcher used Qualitative research design to collect more detail and in depth information about parent’s perception though this is an explorative study. The population of this study was parents of sensory dysfunction (autistic) children, who wanted willingly to participate in study. The participant were identifying by purposive sampling. Semi- structured, face to face interview with open ended question was used for data collection. Settings of the study: Mother & child care unite of CRP at Savar in Dhaka District of Bangladesh. Results: The theme that emerged from the study as Parents has general knowledge about Occupational therapy. They are also knowledgeable about sensory related problem of their autistic children. Parent’s concept of group therapy for autistic children with sensory dysfunction is understandable. Parents provide more value to group therapy then individual with emphasizing other therapy profession such as speech. They assume, progress of children with sensory dysfunction come first in group therapy rather than individual therapy. Most of parents are satisfied on group therapy for their children with sensory dysfunction. Few of parents are less satisfied on present group therapy, they sense group therapy need some modification style. Parents advocate group therapy need more awareness among parents, other school who are work with autistic children with sensory dysfunction. Conclusion: According to data analysis it is identified that parents think their child is improving for this reason most of them are satisfied on group therapy. At the end of the study the results show that the parents are able to gain knowledge about group therapy and sensory dysfunction of their children. They are able to express perception of improvement and satisfaction on group therapy. The parents also provide some recommendation about group therapy those may help to both therapist and children who have sensory dysfunction.