The impact of autism spectrum disorders on the family

Sažetak. Poremećaj iz spektra autizma (engl. autism spectrum disorder, ASD) neurorazvojni je poremećaj kojeg obilježavaju kvalitativne anomalije u društvenoj interakciji i u modalitetima komunikacije koje su popraćene ograničenim, ponavljajućim i stereotipnim repertoarom interesa i aktivnosti te nejednolikim intelektualnim razvojem. Uzrok autizma se ne zna. Smatra se kako je riječ o multifaktorijalnom poremećaju, a povezuje se s genetskim i okolišnim čimbenicima. Svrha rada jest dati pregled znanstvene i stručne literature na temu utjecaja djeteta s autizmom na obitelj. Roditelji se moraju suočiti s postavljenom i teško prihvaćenom dijagnozom te je moraju prenijeti ostalim članovima obitelji. Potrebna je prilagodba novom načinu života. Proces prilagodbe, prihvaćanja i privikavanja je dugotrajan, a kod nekih roditelja traje cijeli život. Obitelj poprima novu ulogu, čiji je glavni cilj podizanje djeteta i preuzimanje pune odgovornosti za dijete koje ovisi o angažmanu vlastite obitelji. Uočena je viša stopa razvoda kod roditelja, negativni utjecaji kroničnog stresa i izoliranje iz zajednice. Negativan se utjecaj uočava i kod braće i sestara djece s autizmom. Od izrazite je važnosti edukacija roditelja. Često se roditelji u procesu prihvaćanja počinju educirati i sudjelovati aktivno u grupama podrške i prosvjećivanju zajednice te zagovaranju za svoje dijete.Abstract. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by qualitative anomalies in social interaction and communication modalities that are accompanied by a limited, repetitive, and stereotypical repertoire of interests and activities and uneven intellectual development. The etiology of autism is unknown. It’s considered to be a multifactorial disorder, linked to genetic and environmental factors. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the impact of autism spectrum disorders on the family. Parents must face a set and severely diagnosed diagnosis and must relocate it to other family members. It is necessary to adapt to a new way of life. This process of adaptation, acceptance, and adoption is long-lasting, and in some cases it lasts for a lifetime. The family takes on a new role, whose main goal is to raise a child and assume full responsibility for children dependent on the engagement of their own family. A higher divorce rate was observed in parents, the negative effects of chronic stress and isolation from the community. Negative impacts are also noticed in siblings of autistic children. Of paramount importance is parent education. Often parents in the process of acceptance are beginning to educate and actively participate in community support groups and advocate for their child