FUTURE ANXIETY AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN INDONESIA

Abstract

COVID-19, a new outbreak caused by coronavirus that was initially identified on December 2019.  COVID-19 has heightened human suffering. In Indonesia, the impact of the pandemic take place in practically all levels of society. One of the sub-population affected is families with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) member. The pandemic has been even more disruptive for those with special health needs. Children with ASD are particularly vulnerable to negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. This situation has an impact on ASD children's development and anxiety level of their parents. Parents of children with autism having level of stress, anxiety, and depression higher than parents of children with other types of disabilities. This research used a cross-sectional method based on online survey (89 respondents). We used Future Anxiety Scale-1 (FAS-1) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers Revised (M-CHAT / R) instrument. Of the 89 respondents participated in the study, 73% were high future anxiety score. A significant positive relationship was found between future anxiety and M-CHAT/R score (risk of ASD in children) with a p-value of 0.000 and a correlation coefficient of 0.626. Socioeconomic, spiritual, educational, marital status, and levels of ASD in children are directly related to future anxiety in parents.