Epigenetic Factors Affecting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Perspectives of Therapeutic Staff

Abstract

This qualitative research endeavors the views of therapeutic staff on epigenetic factors affecting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Epigenetic mechanism, which includes DNA methylation, histone amendment, and non-coding RNA law, play a crucial position in gene expression and had been implicated inside the etiology of ASD. These factors are critical for growing need for intervention approaches and improving the quality of life for the segment of population with ASD. Therapeutic staff working with children and young adults who may be going through a difficult season in life in the Faisalabad city, Punjab province, Pakistan was taken as the population of the study. The group of twenty-three therapeutic had been selected purposefully as the sample of the study to discover the phenomenon.Sample selection criteria included gender (male and female), approached number (06-10 intervention providers), age range (35-40 Years), professional experience (05-10 Years), institution (academic schools/centers and hospitals/clinics), sector (public and private), and other characteristics specific to the research questions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-three therapeutic staff including special educationists, psychologists, speech language therapists, psychotherapists, behavior therapists, and physicians. Thematic evaluation found out three most important subject matters: one) focus and knowledge of epigenetics, two) impact of epigenetic factors on ASD, and three) intervention approaches and guiding techniques. The findings highlighted the need for additionalresearch studies on the role of epigenetic factors in ASD and the significance interventions for affected individuals and their families.