SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF LITERATURE ON SOCIETAL PERCEPTIONS OF THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND THEIR PARENTS

Abstract

The primary goal of this paper is to discuss how society evaluates the quality of life of children with autism (CWA) and their parents (QoL). Despite widespread beliefs about the universality of autism, there are strong scientific and humanitarian reasons to investigate the condition in non-Western countries like Kenya, as well as among other ethnocultural groups. The majority of reviews in the field of autism have mostly focused on inclusion. As a result, this article focuses on the perspective and/or associated notions of Children with Autism (CWA) and their parents, as well as the Quality of Life (QoL) of CWA and their parents. The systematic literature review included studies on parental perspectives on raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as cultural views toward their child's autism diagnosis. There were 23 papers found in the systematic review, however only five were assessed since they met the inclusion criteria. CWA behavioral features are the best predictor of cultural conceptions about parenting a CWA, according to a systematic research evaluation, which has an impact on their quality of life. Finally, cultural views have a negative impact on how CWAs are perceived and how well their parents live. Future research should focus on the impact of parental understanding of their child's CWA diagnosis on QoL.