Autism in Serbia: insights into parental experiences, support networks, and systemic obstacles

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine parenting experiences (e.g. positive experiences, personal changes, experiences with the public sector, sources of support) of Serbian parents of individuals with autism. Serbia, a country on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe, has endured wars, inflation, and sanctions for the past 30 years. Thus, it is vital to learn more about the experiences of parents in post-war countries. Forty parents of individuals with autism were recruited through parental support associations, schools, and personal contacts. The parents were asked to respond to six open-ended questions. A qualitative content analysis method was used to analyze written responses. In total, 87.5% of the parents were mothers, while 85% of their children with autism were males, ranging from 4.5 to 41 years. Six themes were identified: (a) positive experiences of parenting, (b) personal changes, (c) sources of support, (d) positive experiences with the public sector, (e) negative experiences with the public sector, and (f) necessary changes in public attitudes towards families of individuals with autism. Thirty-seven parents reported positive experiences of parenting, while twelve reported negative experiences. Overall, parents were dissatisfied with support from the public sector, believing that the general public should be more educated about autism. The findings from the present study indicate that parents do not receive adequate support from the public sector (e.g. government). Recommendations are made for how to support parents of individuals with autism in Serbia.