Investigation of Family Functioning and Social Support Levels in Families with a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Authors : Elife Barmak, Pelin Su Taçalan Süleymanoğlu, Bünyamin Çıldır, Emel Arslan Sarımehmetoğlu

Pages : 130-145

Doi:10.21020/husbfd.1359870

View : 16 | Download : 18

Publication Date : 2025-04-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Objectives: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction. ASD affects family stress levels, family life, and social support systems. It was aimed at determining the family functionality and social support level of families with a child with ASD, who was diagnosed relatively recently in early childhood, and examining the relationship between family functionality and perceptions of social support. Materials and Methods: The descriptive survey method was used. Our study was conducted with a total of 60 mothers of children diagnosed with ASD (ASD group) and typically developing children (control group) between 2022-2023. Demographic information, including age, gender, and education information of both mothers and children of the two groups, as well as the Family Assessment Scale (FAS) and the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS), were applied. The data of the ASD groups and control groups were compared in terms of the FAS and MPSSS, and the relationship between these scales was examined. Results: The ASD group had lower sub-dimension scores on the MPSSS than the control group, with only the \\\"family\\\" sub-dimension showing a statistically significant difference (p=0.045). Statistical significance was found in the \\\"General Functioning\\\" sub-dimension of the FAD between the ASD and control groups (p= 0.033). In the relationship between the MPSSS and FAD, it was seen that the level of perceived social support was related to family functionality. Conclusion: In families with children with ASD, perceptions of social support and family functionality are impacted. It seems that family harmony and functionality improve as the perceived social support system of families expands.
Keywords : otizm spektrum bozukluğu, aile işlevleri, sosyal destek