COPING STRATEGIES OF MOTHERS WITH ASD CHILDREN

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of developmentaldisabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges”.American Psychiatric Association’s defined ASD as “a single disorder that includes disorders thatwere previously considered separate — autism, Asperger’s syndrome, childhood disintegrativedisorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified”. Objectives: Toexploration of the coping strategies of mother who are the primary care giver of the familyand children with ASD. This study correspondingly emphasized on the policy makers to bringthis subject to the agenda for the training (Coping) and support (Insurance) of mothers andASD children for special education needs (SEN) by the government. Study Design: Qualitativestudy. Methods: This research explored mothers coping practices with ASD children inRawalpindi by means of qualitative study design phenomenology. Theoretical frameworkused were, life course perspective and social constructivism which will facilitate the completeprocess. Interview guide is made on the format suggested by Steinar Kvale. Data analysiswill be done by two analytical techniques, grounded theory analysis. Results: The results ofthis study were categories which were generated were divided into two main parts positive/healthy and negative/impaired coping strategies they are as follow:- Positive coping strategies.a) Integration b) Networking c) Religion. And the Negative coping strategies a) Avoidance b)Ignorance c) Isolation. Conclusion: Overall, findings indicated that mothers sorrow and griefassociated with ASD is common in every mother. Mothers coped by educating themselves.Findings indicated feelings of shock, grief and acceptance were the part of mother’s responses,on the discovery of their child’s autism diagnosis. Findings indicated daily routines were notaffected but the ASD child.