Sook Bin Im

Development of an interaction behaviors checklist for early detection of autistic children

PURPOSE This study was conducted to develop a behavioral checklist to predict an autistic disorder and to identify the earliest detecting time. METHOD One hundred and fifty eight children including normal, autistic, institutionalized normal, and retarded were assessed using critical interaction behavioral markers from literature review. Data was collected by semi-structured mother-child interaction by videotape recording and analyzed by factor analysis, Cronbach alpha, Kappa, chi(2), and Duncan. RESULT Ten behavioral markers were sorted into 2 factors; joint-attention and synchronized behavior. Autistic children were impaired in pretend play, prodeclarative pointing, proimperative pointing, gaze-monitoring, referential looking, showing, joint-attention, rhythmical vocal exchange, and synchronized laughing. The sychronized behavior was also a critical marker to predict the autistic disorder. However, it was difficult to differentiate autistic disorder from mental retardation. In addition, the appropriate detecting time was around 18 months after birth. CONCLUSION This checklist should be behavior markers to predict autistic disorder and could be useful as educational material at childrens clinics, parents class, and for caregivers in the health center. In addition, early detection should lead to treatment being started as soon after 18 months of age as possible.

Development of Financial Support Program for High Risk Pregnant Women

Objectives The purpose of this study was to develop a financial support program for high-risk pregnant women based on opinions obtained using a questionnaire survey. Methods The program development involved two steps: (1) developing a questionnaire through reviewing previous financial support programs for maternal care and then validating it via professional consultation; and (2) drafting a financial support program. Sixty professionals, 26 high-risk pregnant women, and 100 program implementers completed the questionnaire between August 2014 and October 2014. Results Based on the obtained professional consultation and survey investigation, the framework of the financial support program was constructed. The suggested recipients were mothers with early labor pains, mothers who have been hospitalized for > 3 weeks, and mothers who used uterine stimulant Pitocin during hospitalization. All hospitalization, medication, and examination costs needed to be supported considering the income level of the recipient. Conclusion A basic policy for financially supporting high-risk pregnant women has been developed. The efficacy and feasibility of the policy needs to be carefully examined in future studies.