Community Support Service: The Perspective of Family Caregivers of Children with Autism in Mansoura City

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects a significantnumber of children globally, presenting unique challenges for families and caregivers. In Egypt, the need forrobust community support services is vital for enhancing the quality of life for children with ASD and theirfamilies. Aim: This study aimed to assess the perspectives of family caregivers with autism regardingcommunity support services. Methods: This study involved 200 family caregivers of autistic children inMansoura City. Data were collected on the socio-demographic characteristics of caregivers and their children,Short Form 36-Health Survey, Parenting Stress Index, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support,and the Perceived Community Support Questionnaire. Results: Most caregivers (80%) were aware ofcommunity support services but faced barriers, including limited rural availability (74.5%) and accessibilitychallenges (58.5%), with peer parents as primary information sources. Caregivers reported moderatesatisfaction, coping competence, and social support levels, with strong correlations between these factors (p ≤0.001). Coping competence and social support predicted caregiver satisfaction, explaining 68% of variance(F=204.3, p<0.001), while educational level significantly influenced both coping competence (p<0.001) andsocial support (p=0.005). Conclusion & Recommendations: Coping competence and social supportsignificantly predict caregiver satisfaction with autism services. However, rural accessibility barriers andeducational disparities limit service effectiveness. Recommendations include expanding rural servicedelivery, enhancing accessibility, providing targeted support based on educational needs, and strengtheningpeer support networks.