Familial Responsibility and Involvement Towards Children on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract

Familial involvement affects many facets of the personal growth and well-being of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Every family member's responsibility is to take care of them in their academic journey. The study aimed to assess the familial responsibility and involvement in educating children with ASD in the identified SpEd centers in Cebu, Philippines, during the school year 2024-2025 as the basis for a Comprehensive Plan. It employed the descriptive-correlational research method, using the survey questionnaire as the principal instrument to gather the needed data regarding familial responsibility and involvement among learners with ASD. It was conducted among 100 family members of learners with ASD who were chosen using non-probability purposive sampling wherein they had ASD children. The respondents utilized an adapted-modified survey questionnaire to gather information regarding the familial involvement of learners with a four-part questionnaire. The collected data were statistically treated using frequency, simple percentage, mean, standard deviation, rank, weighted mean, the Chi-square test of independence, and ANOVA. The study reveals that most respondents strongly agreed that familial responsibility is essential in supporting their ASD learners' education, with an aggregate mean of 3.73 and a standard deviation of 0.51. The study also shows that familial involvement in home-based activities had the highest aggregate mean. Moreover, this study found a strong correlation between respondents’ place of work and their perceived family engagement in the education of learners with ASD. In addition, the family responsibilities differ when categorized by the highest educational attainment of the participants and combined monthly family income. Families need to be involved and invested in their children's education, and that is necessary for success and development if a child happens to have ASD. The researchers suggest applying and monitoring the proposed plan.