Level of Readiness for Independence and its Relationship to Social Interaction among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Mothers' Perspective
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33193/JEAHS.53.2026.806Keywords:
Readiness for independence, social interaction, autism spectrum disorderAbstract
The current study aimed to investigate the level of readiness for independence and its relationship to social interaction among children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) from the mothers' perspective. The study was conducted with all mothers of children with mild to moderate ASD aged 3-6 years at the autism clinics in Al-Mazhar Health Center and Al-Mankhool Health Center. A total of 150 mothers were selected for the study. Two scales were developed to assess the level of readiness for independence: a scale consisting of 24 items and three dimensions (daily living skills, independence in vocational skills, and personal hygiene), and a social interaction scale consisting of 20 items and four dimensions (cooperation, social communication, empathy, and belonging to a group). The psychometric properties of both scales were verified, including validity and reliability. The results indicated that the level of both readiness for independence and social interaction among children with ASD, as perceived by the mothers, was low. The correlation between readiness for independence and social interaction among children with ASD, as perceived by the mothers, was found to be a strong correlation. The results were positive, showing no differences in social interaction based on the mother's education level. However, differences were found among children in their readiness for independence from the mothers' perspectives, favoring mothers with a bachelor's degree or higher. Based on these findings, several recommendations were made, including: designing integrated early intervention programs aimed at developing social interaction and readiness for independence in children with autism spectrum disorder aged 3-6 years.
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