Indian Journal of Health and Wellbeing

E. Sambandam ¹, K. Rangaswami ²

Affiliations
1 Aarupadai Veedu Medical College & Hospital Vinayaka Missions University, Puducherry, IN
2 Sweekar Rehabilitation Institute for Handicapped, Secundrabad, Andhra Pradesh, IN

Abstract

Alcohol dependence is a medical and psychosocial illness which affects the alcohol dependents and his family especially the spouses. The spouses of male alcohol dependents undergo stress and show significant psychological problems. The aim of the study is to assess family burden, coping behaviour and co-dependency of wives of alcohol dependents. The sample consisted of 31 spouses of alcohol dependents. The wives of alcohol dependents meet DSM-IV criteria. The sample was selected from among alcohol dependents at out-patient and in-patient departments of Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai. Purposive sampling method was used as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Symptom-Check List90, Social Support Questionnaire, Burden Assessment Schedule, Coping with Drinking and Co-Dependency Assessment were assessed. Out of 31 wives of alcohol dependents, 19 were found to be having co-dependency. They had poor social support and experienced high family burden and poor family environment. They had maladaptive coping behaviour, such as discord, indulgence, competition, avoidance, sexual withdrawal and fearful reactions. They experienced co-dependent features of fear, shame, rage, impaired identity and confusion

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E. Sambandam ¹, K. Rangaswami ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Clinical Psychology, Aarupadai Veedu Medical College and Hospital, Kirumambakkam & Post, Bahour Com, Puducherry, IN
2 Clinical Psychology, Sweekar Rehabilitation Institute for Handicapped, Secundrabad, A.P., IN

Abstract

The pioneering research of Lovaas (1987) on early intensive intervention for children with autism employed home-based model. The important feature of this programme was that the initial work with the child was delivered in the home. Most of the home-based programmes operate in an ABA and TEACCH framework. Goal of the study is to implement ABA and TEACCH based training for mother of a child with autism and later to implement on the child by the mother and to evaluate the benefits of the training programme for the child. Case history: Master GH, aged 4 year, male had no schooling, hailing from middle socio economic status, came with symptoms of lack of eye contact, aloofness, injuring himself, repetitive motor behaviours, hyperactivity, speech not developed and poor comprehension of both verbal and gestures. The following tests were administered to the child: CARS, VSMS, REELS and Denver Developmental Screening to assess severity of behaviour problems, motor developments, cognitive and social skills of the child. The format of the home based behavioural training for mother consisted of 20 by-weekly sessions for 2 ½ months. Mother was explained about autism, behavioural problems, communication problems and difficulty in socialization. ABA and TEACCH based parental training was implemented, which included managing problem behaviours by explaining reinforcement, extinction, time out and developing new behviours through prompting and shaping. Further, mother was trained in communication skills through verbal and non-verbal modes. In addition socialization techniques were also taught. Mother of the child carried out the home based training for 9 months. Above test were administered again at the completion of the programme by the mother to assess the improvement gained by the child.The home based management carried out by the mother brought out significant improvement in motor skills, daily routine, mild to moderate improvement in behavior problems, improvement in com

Keywords

Home Based Behavioural Intervention For Autism,aba And Teacch Intervention,evalution of Outcome

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E. Sambandam ¹, K. Rangaswami ²

Affiliations
1 Aarupadai Veedu Medical College, Vinayaka Missions University, Puducherry, IN
2 Center for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Kulathur, Chennai, IN

Abstract

Consequent to the description of Autism by Leo Kanner in 1943, treatment programmes for children with autism have been designed. In the recent past, significant advances in treatment programmes for children as well as for parents have been made. In the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in addition to the center based treatment, their parents also form essential partners. Further the treatment and teaching programmes, emphasis is placed on early intervention. The aim of this programme for training parents of children with ASD is to help parents/care givers to understand the nature of the disorder and its impact on children in the areas of development, behaviour problems, communication and socialization. Parents and care givers have the opportunity to learn and manage behaviour problem and teach various skills at home. This will help to reinforce the skills learnt at the training centers. The format of the treatment consists of 10 weekly sessions lasting for 2.5 months, it provides opportunity to explore issues in personal way. The sessions are skills based and action oriented with feedback. The components of the programme are: outline of goals, discussion about autism, reaction and dealing with the diagnosis, stress and coping, outline of behaviour management through reinforcement, extinction, developing new beaviours through prompting, shaping and chaining, dealing with communication problems, developing social skills and socialization.

Keywords

Autism Spectrum Disorders, Children, Parents' Training.

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