Background: The definition of autism as significant impairments in social interaction, deficits in
communication and the presence of rigid behaviors and restricted interests. Aim: Assess selfcare
daily living activities of school-age children and teenagers with a mild level of autism and their
parents. Design and implement Orem’s self-care model as a valid basis for delivering care. Evaluate the
effective self-care training on school-age and teenagers with a mild level of autism and their parent.
Design: One group quasi-experimental design was used in the current study. Setting: Conducted in
pediatric outpatient clinics at Benha University Hospital. Sample: A purposive sample of all available
school-age children and teenagers with a mild level of autism and their parents (n= 36). Tools: Data was
collected through: (1): A structured interviewing questionnaire composed of two parts: 1st part: was
concerned with characteristics for school-age children and teenagers and their parents. 2nd part: Parents
knowledge regarding autism. (2): Orem self-care models and an observational checklist to assess selfcare
practice. Results: about two third of children was male (61.1%).More than half of parent stated
obstacles toward self-care was inadequate training and teaching. Also, there was the improvement in
parents' knowledge post-Orem self-care model implementation. Positive correlation coefficient between
parent practices and their age and education level post-Orem self-care model implementation. Also, there
was the statistically significant difference between school age children and teenagers practice pre and
post-Orem self-care model implementation in all items except the ability to feeding, personal hygiene and
elimination. Conclusion: Orem self-care model was effective which improved school-age and teenagers
and their parent’s self-care practice. Recommendations: Continuing application of Orem self-care
models to keep parent updated in their knowledge and practice regarding self-care of their children with
autism is mandatory. |
