The impact of children with autism on the family system in Negara Brunei Darussalam

Abstract

Public education for children with ID in Negara Brunei Darussalam (NBD) is evolving from no education to limited education in public schools. Thus, Bruneian parents of children with autism have to turn to private service delivery systems to access supports designated to help adapt to the challenges of having a child with autism. This study examined Bruneian parents' own perceptions of needs. Method: 30 families with children with autism aged between 0-15 years access services from the only agency which offers services to children with autism in NBD. All 30 sets of parents where recruited to complete the Impact on Family Scale (IFS; Stein & Reissman, 1980). Parent perception of intensity of stress in different life areas were examined as a function of salient medical, social and demographic factors associated with the child's disability. Results: Bruneian parents reported a high degree of stress in caring for their child with autism, most notably in financial impact and social status. The innovative aspect of this project is using existing instruments with a different culture. Conclusion: Despite the acknowledged importance of the family in this traditional Islamic community, relatively little is known about the functioning of Bruneian families with children with autism. The evolution of educational opportunities for people with disabilities is a civil rights issue. It is hoped that the results of this study will raise awareness for the need of further social, health and educational services for Bruneian families who are currently trying to adjust their parenting skills to cater for a family member with autism.