Health Behavior of Children with Autism in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: The number of children with autism in Indonesia is believed to keep increasing, but the studies

on children with autism are limited. This study aimed to assess the health behavior covering knowledge,

attitude, and practice among children with autism.

Subjects and Method: The participants were Year 4 to Year 8 students of a special school for children

with autism in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The health behavior of children with autism was assessed using

a questionnaire. In-depth interviews with teachers and parents were conducted to complement the data

collected from the children with autism.

Results: Thirteen children participated in this study. They were ten boys and three girls aged between 11-

17 years. Data showed that some children did not have proper knowledge, but they had the right attitude

and behavior related to healthy lifestyle. The questionnaire showed sleep problem was commonly found in

the children. Interviews with three teachers and two parents revealed the importance of continual training

children with autism from young age to develop good health behavior.

Conclusion: Children with autism can have good health attitude and practice, despite their limited knowledge.