Exploration of Experiences of Parents Raising Children on The Autism Spectrum

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the experiences of parents raising children on the autism spectrum. Past researh on the experiences of parents raising a child diagnosed with ASD indicate that the welfare of caregivers is adversely affected by the problems that they may experience daily (Brien-Bérard & des Rivières-Pigeon, 2023). This study is unique because it doesnt only focus on the mental health conditions but explores the lived experiences in all aspects completely. The research question of the present study is “What is the lived experience of a parent raising an autistic child?” The total number of participants used in the study were 2 key informants. The data collection method included semi-structured interviews over the phone. The open-coding displayed 3 themes: 1) Knowledge of autism, 2) Associated Emotions, and 3) Resources. Results indicated that parents raising autistic children do not experience any noticeable differences with their children in public or at home. It also indicates that parents raising autistic children need and desire an increase of sufficient resources to assist in their child's needs. This study can be improved by expanding the participant population and including the experienced thoughts and emotions of fathers raising children with autism spectrum disorder in comparison to mothers' experienced thoughts and emotions.