Parental Perceptions, Attitudes and Involvement in Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sarawak, Malaysia

Authors

  • Jing Xin Teo Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus
  • Bee Theng Lau Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5463/dcid.v29i1.664

Keywords:

Special education, disability service development, South East Asia, Asian culture, Autism support, developing nations

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores and compares perspectives of educators and parents regarding interventions used in managing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Sarawak, Malaysia. Information on parental desires and limitations when selecting and maintaining management will aid in the development of strategies for ASD educators to work effectively with parents and caregivers, and vice versa.

Method: This qualitative research employed traditional question and answer interviews with 7 ASD educators and 30 parents. Interviews were semi-structured and questions were open-ended to allow for additional details to be relayed within the scope of the subject matter. Thematic analysis revealed overarching perceptions concerning parental attitudes towards involvement in their children’s interventions, and implications of cultural context.

Results: Perspectives were similar regarding the importance of confidentiality from educators and cultural factors playing a major role in content of intervention chosen by parents. Perspectives differed across four themes. Of significance was the way in which both samples viewed parental self-reliance in supplementing interventions and parental attitudes in effort and perseverance. 

Conclusion: Parental resources and culture influence ability and attitudes towards involvement. While educators may not agree on certain aspects, mutual appreciation of differing perspectives would benefit the children.

Author Biographies

Jing Xin Teo, Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Science, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus

Jing Xin Teo is a PhD Candidate at Swinburne University, Sarawak Campus. She has degrees in Psychology and Mass Communications from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand; and a dance degree from the British Ballet Organization, London. She is a trained ABA interventionist with a decade of practical experience in working with children with special needs.

Bee Theng Lau, Swinburne University of Technology, Sarawak Campus

 

Lau Bee Theng is an associate professor in Swinburne Sarawak Campus. Her research interests covers assistive technology for people with special needs, teaching and learning technologies, and smart technologies for the visually impaired. She has published several papers in the area of computing, teaching and learning, and technology related journals, book chapters and conferences.

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Published

2018-07-17

How to Cite

1.
Teo JX, Lau BT. Parental Perceptions, Attitudes and Involvement in Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Sarawak, Malaysia. DCIDJ [Internet]. 2018 Jul. 17 [cited 2024 Apr. 26];29(1):26-4. Available from: https://dcidj.uog.edu.et/index.php/up-j-dcbrid/article/view/285

Issue

Vol. 29 No. 1 (2018): Spring 2018

Section

Original Research Articles

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Copyright (c) 2018 The Author(s)

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