Causal Factors of Buddhism Related with The Parenting Behavior in Autistic Children: A Case Study of Rajanukul Institute

Abstract

e relation between Buddhism and the parenting behavior in autistic children is Descriptive Research. It aims to study on the causal factors of Buddhism and the contingency factors related with the parenting behavior in autistic children. The samples consisted of 84 parents who are Buddhist; Theravada, and have autistic children age from newborn to 18 years old and was diagnosed with autism by a pediatrician or child psychiatrist according to DSM-IV criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder, 4^thED). The tools used in this study are including questionnaire and interviewing regarding to Buddhist lessons related with the parenting behavior. The Reliability was found by using Cronbach’s Alpha Method as .90. The data analyzed by Statistics, Percentage, Mean, Standard Deviation, Pearson Multiple Correlation Coefficient, Stepwise Multiple Regression, and Content Analysis.

The study found out that the perception factors on information about autism were positively correlated with the parenting behavior in autistic children with statistically significant (r = .62, p< .01) and the causal factors of Buddhism in living on Buddhist way were positively correlated with the parenting behavior in autistic children with statistically significant ( r = .50, p< .01). When parents get information about autism and adopt Buddhist lesson related with child care to their daily life, parents will understand the reality of life and have a better parenting behavior in autistic children. 

Recommendation arises from this study is that social networks should communicate the correct information to give proper knowledge about autism and parents of children with autism should apply Buddhist principles in their daily life.

Keywords: Buddhism / Parenting behavior / Parenting Autistic Children