The Participatory Care for People with autism using the Innovative Care for Chronic Condition framework, Hatyai, Songkhla

Abstract

The aim of this descriptive research was to investigate participatory care for people with autism in Hatyai, Songkhla, using the Innovative Care for Chronic Condition framework. Informants were selected through purposive sampling and consisted of people with autism and their families, care providers, policy makers and community partners. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and group discussions and analyzed using content analysis and summarized according to the conceptual framework. The findings of the study were as follows: 1) Micro level: people with autism and their families are informed about the disease and how to deal with complications but not comprehensively, they are motivated by disease information showing positive improvement, perceive social obligations and religious beliefs. They are prepared for income through savings. The health, education, and social welfare team have clear plans for childhood and school age. The community networks recognize that there are people with autism in the area but, they are not prepared for the emotional coping skills. 2) Meso Level: There is a lack of collected and organized databases of organizations. For management within the community, there are model areas that promote education for people with autism and are supported by community leaders and school principals. 3) Macro Level: Policy integration, budget allocation and legal measures have been taken on the condition that people with autism are registered as disabled. Suggestions from this research:  the system of care for people with autism should be adapted to ensure continuity throughout the life course, especially referrals and integrated databases. Education and awareness raising of the community living with people with autism should be a priority, as well as reviewing the injustice of the rights of people with disabilities.