| Abstract [eng] |
Master's thesis aim is to analyse opportunities of the provision of social services for families having children with autistic spectrum disorders. In order to achieve aim these particular goals were set: to analyse the concept of autism, psychosocial characteristics and social support for a family with a child having an autistic spectrum disorder; reveal the organization and need of social services for families; establish social services organization direction and opportunities. Research methods: analysis of scientific literature; structured interview developed by the open-ended questions; written survey, using a prepared questionnaire, content analysis and statistical analysis. 6 families having children with autistic spectrum disorder participated in a structured interview. 70 social workers who work with autistic spectrum disorder participated in a survey on the internet. Main results: families having children with autistic spectrum disorder receive social assistance, information, counseling, child and parent education, mediation and assistance from the social worker, emphasizing innovative work with the child. Social worker is considered to be a consultant, educator and person who enables others, generally applying the individual method of work both with the child and with the parents. Most parents would like to obtain more information through various educational activities. Emphasis is placed on social workers cooperation with a psychologist, social educator and physiotherapist in the process of social assistance for child and family. The most appropriate place to provide social services for a family having a child with an autistic spectrum disorder is a child day care center, in which various socio-educational activities for the child and the entire family would be organized. The main roles played by the social workers are informant, consultant and educator. The most important aspects of organized activities are social interaction and the development of social skills through the playing. |
