EVALUATION OF THE RESULTS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL EFFECTS ON IRAQI CHILDREN WITH AUTISM

Aims: The aim of the research here is to evaluate the psychological effects of treatment within an institution for Iraqi children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Specifically, it addresses therapeutic benefits in communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and flexibility, as well as any risk factors that may influence these benefits.

Material and Method: Adopting a quantitative research method, the study was conducted on a sample of 140 children aged between 6 and 12 years with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD based on DSM-5 criteria. Pre and post-therapy testing was carried out using standardized measures such as the Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, WISC-IV, and anxiety scales of the parents and physician. Therapeutic interventions were ABA-focused and provided on a weekly basis for six months. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistics, i.e., paired sample t-tests and logistic regression.

Results: Significant improvements were observed in all measurement areas after therapy. Symptom severity of autism was significant reductions with ABC scores decreasing from 75.4±10.2 to 58.3±9.5 (p<0.001). Furthermore, communication ability increased from 6.2±2.8 to 9.5±3.1 (p<0.001), social interaction from 5.5±2.1 to 8.1±3.0 (p<0.001), and emotional control from 4.0±1.9 to 7.0±2.5 (p<0.001). By logistic regression analysis, male gender, low family income, presence of sibling with autism, and parental anxiety were identified as the principal risk factors associated with symptom severity of autism and finally the findings underscore the effectiveness of early and personalized therapeutic interventions for children with ASD, highlighting the importance of family dynamics and parental health in enhancing outcomes.