Variation in socio-economic burden for caring of children with autism spectrum disorder in Oman: caregiver perspectives

J Autism Dev Disord. 2013 May;43(5):1214-21. doi: 10.1007/s10803-012-1667-9.

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate whether caregiver's variations in socioeconomic status (SES) has direct bearing on challenges of nurturing children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Oman. A cadre of caregivers (n = 150) from two types of SES (low-income and middle-high income) were compared based on four domains: (1) accessing and perception of remedial services, (2) utilization and perception of psychiatric services, (3) constraints for being a caregiver of children with ASD and (4) financial expenses of taking care of children with ASD. There is little indication that any particular SES fare well on these domains. Factors to mitigate such predicaments are therefore imperative in order to improve quality of life for caregivers among children with ASD.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Caregivers / psychology*
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / economics*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cost of Illness*
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oman
  • Quality of Life*
  • Social Class
  • Surveys and Questionnaires