Quality of Life Outcomes in Filipino Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Attending Public Versus Private Schools Following Occupational Therapy

Abstract

This study investigated whether school type (public versus private) significantly influences the quality of life (QoL) outcomes of Filipino children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1 or 2 following occupational therapy (OT). A descriptive-comparative design was employed with 51 children (ages 5–7, 75% male) attending schools in Metro Manila. The Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL 4.0) was administered via caregiver proxy across four domains: physical, emotional, social, and school functioning. Independent-samples t-tests revealed no significant difference in physical functioning between school types. However, significant differences were found in emotional functioning (public: M=2.28 vs. private: M=1.88; p<0.001), social functioning (public: M=2.49 vs. private: M=1.91; p=0.03), and school functioning (public: M=2.44 vs. private: M=1.85; p=0.007). Overall PedsQL scores were significantly higher for public school children (M=2.65 vs. M=2.17; p<0.001). These findings suggest that the community-oriented, peer-integrated environments of public schools in Metro Manila may complement OT outcomes in emotional and social domains. Results have implications for school placement decisions, OT intervention planning, and inclusive education policy in the Philippines.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory; Occupational Therapy; Inclusive Education; Philippines; Public vs. Private Schools

Citation

Andre C. Quimno. Quality of Life Outcomes in Filipino Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Attending Public Versus Private Schools Following Occupational Therapy. WebLog J Pediatr. wjp.2026.f1904. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21318842