NUTRITIONAL STATUS AND SOCIAIZATION ABILITY IN CHILDREN WITH AUTISTIC DISORDER

Abstract

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND : Autism is a pervasive development disorder that affects abilities in social interaction, communication and behavior. The disorder is seen before a three year old child. Children with autistic disorders have behavioral disorders called autistic behavior. Autistic behavior is classified into two types, namely excessive behavior and deficit behavior.The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between nutritional status and socialization ability in autistic children.

SUBJECT AND METHODE : This study is a correlation study conducted with a cross sectional approach. The population in this study were 35 autistic children in SLB Bintoro. The instrument used was a questionnaire on the nutritional status of autistic children to assess nutritional status, and a Social Skills training (SST) sheet to assess the socialization skills of autistic children. Data analysis was carried out by using the Spearman Rho correlation statistical test.

RESULTS : The results showed that the results of the study using the Sperman RHO test for nutritional status on the socialization abilities of autistic children showed that a significant value of p = 0.000 because the value of p <0.05, there was a significant relationship between nutritional status and the ability to disseminate information on autistic children shows a very strong relationship.

DISCUSSION  : Nutrition status is one factor that greatly affects the socialization capabilities of autistic children.