The Effectiveness of Counseling Programs in Enhancing Quality of Life for Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Jordan

Abstract

This study examined the effectiveness of a developed counseling program in enhancing quality of life of families of children with autism spectrum disorder and its relationship with selected variables, and thirty parents of children with autism spectrum disorder were selected randomly. The Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) was developed by the researchers and used before and after applying the counseling program. The findings showed statistical differences in the post-measurement in favor of the experimental group, demonstrating the program's effectiveness. In addition, there were no statistical differences found in the level of quality of life related to the severity of the autism disorder and social and economic status. The study concluded that having a disabled child in the family, regardless of social and economic level, imposes the family to consider their child’s situation and develop their abilities to the fullest extent through having the required information of the child’s situation and searching for educational alternatives to suit their abilities.