The Development of Autistic Child Caring Model at Sakon Nakhon Hospital-การพัฒนารูปแบบการดูแลเด็กออทิสติก โรงพยาบาลสกลนคร

Abstract

            The objective of this participatory action research was aimed to develop an autistic child caring model at Sakon Nakhon hospital employing mixed method including participatory observation, non-participatory observation, group discussions, informal dialogue, sub-group meetings, tape recording, field recording, and in-depth interview during January 2006- August 2007. Researchers were 10 autistic child care-takershouseholders in Sakon Nakhon urban area and a 9-member multi-disciplinary research team. In the two processes of the study - preparation and operation, the latter was divided into 3 sub-processes : situation analysis and system comprehension; planning, feasibility study and feedback of operation; participatory improvement and evaluation.  In data analysis,        descriptive statistics was employed for quantative part and content analysis for qualitative assessment.

          It was found that, as a result, an autistic child caring model was developed at Sakon Nakhon hospital with application of the concept of case management with advocacy on a care map, emerging from the participatory process.  In due process, empowerment of the autistic child families was maximized through family counseling, the established special child parentsี school for the caretakers; and the library providing borrowing service of books and toys for the development of the underprivileged at home.  A one-stop service for handicap registration as well as continuing care in community in collaboration with primary care units, was providecl for this purpose.

Key words:   autistic child, development model, care