Effectiveness of evidence-based nursing intervention on communication and social skill among autism spectrum disorder children and quality of life of the parents

Evidence based intervention is an effective method for improving autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children on socialization, communication and quality of life of the parents may have an effect on the brain activity. This aim of this study is to find the effectiveness of picture exchange communication system (PECS) and parent implemented intervention (PII) among ASD children and quality of life of the parents.

Sixty ASD Children who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected and assigned into control (n=30) and experimental (n=30) groups. Experimental group received evidence-based intervention with PECS and PII for 6 months, whereas the control group received routine care. The children were assessed for social relationship and reciprocity (SRR), speech language communication (SLC) and Quality of life of the parents before and after the intervention. For the experimental group a 3-month post intervention along with Quality of life of the parents were also assessed. Parametric and nonparametric statistical methods were used.

The data showed that male, nuclear family and birth order above one was more among ASD. Two-way RM ANOVA showed significant difference among groups and tests (p<0.001), and interaction of groups with tests (p<0.001). Experimental post-test-2 i.e., after 6 months showed significant improvement in SRR, SLC and Quality of life of parents compared with control group.

The present study shows that the PECS and PII as nursing strategy can improve ASD children socialization, communication and quality of life of the parents.