Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for  Administrative Bodies

Allameh Tabataba’i University Strategic Recommendations for Administrative Bodies

The Family, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Associated Challenges

Author
Department of Psychology of Exceptional Children, Allameh Tabataba'i University
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder, emerging at an early age and negatively impacting a child's developmental dimensions, exposes the family to persistent psychological, economic, and social pressures. Without timely intervention, its consequences extend to the child, parents, and society at large. A central issue is the weakness in screening, evaluation, and precise early diagnosis, which leads to delayed rehabilitation interventions and reduced treatment efficacy. Alongside this, the lack of structured programs for the adulthood of individuals with autism intensifies families' anxieties regarding their child's future and relative independence, reflecting a temporary focus of services solely on childhood. The heavy costs of education, treatment, and rehabilitation, the absence of adequate insurance and support coverage, and the unequal distribution of facilities across different regions increase economic pressure and drive families to migrate to metropolitan areas. Furthermore, the issuance of non-specialized licenses for centers and NGOs and weak oversight have resulted in resource waste and the provision of low-quality services. Proposed strategies include upgrading the screening system, achieving balanced development of support services nationwide, establishing comprehensive rehabilitation and vocational training centers for individuals over 18, allocating psychological service vouchers to prevent family conflicts, facilitating transportation and working-hour reductions for parents, expanding supportive insurance coverage and tax exemptions, strengthening inter-institutional coordination, and utilizing the capacities of universities and the media for public awareness and evidence-based policymaking.
Keywords