Abstract
<p>Parenting a child is a challenging experience let alone parenting a child with a disability. The nature of the disability in a child goes with its complexity and it often puts parenting skills to the test. This study explores the experiences on social interactions of parents with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in selected compounds of Lusaka, Zambia. The study used an interpretative phenomenological framework supported by qualitative approach. In-depth interviews were used to collect data. Non-probability criterion purposive sampling procedure was used to select participants. The sample size comprised of 10 parents with children with ASD. Qualitative data was analyzed thematically. The study revealed that parents had unique experiences in raising their children with ASD. These included; inadequate information on ASD; lack of support services; miscommunications between parents and children with ASD; stigmatization; lack of adequate sleeping time and negative attitude towards parents and their children with ASD. It was evident from the study that parents require supportive services including counselling to enable them to deal with the complexities that emanate from parenting children with ASD. In view of these the study recommended increased awareness on ASD; development, promotion and regular evaluation of intervention strategies parents use aimed at improving the daily lives of parents and their children with ASD in the study sites.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0875/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Highlights
The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by exploring their everyday lives with itself, their children
We present the results of the study conducted from 2018 to 2021 on experiences of parents of ASD children in their social interactions from home settings in Lusaka urban in Zambia
Regarding experiences of parent-participants on interaction socially with their ASD children, from the study, it was evident from the results that, the locations from which participants were drawn from were different, their experiences on interaction socially with their ASD children were not significantly different
Summary
The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of parents of children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by exploring their everyday lives with itself, their children. Nash, (2003) further, reports that children with ASD may manifest unusual non-verbal communication techniques, such as eye contact, body postures, gestures, and facial expressions. Their verbal communication can be impaired by their repetitive use of words and abnormal intonation. In the 1950s and 1960s, theories arose linking ASD to the indifference shown by professional parents (Boyd, 2002). This is no longer considered a legitimate theory for the cause of ASD; some parents still believe that they have somehow caused their child’s disorders. The prevalence rates have risen from 2-4 per 10,000 children in the late 1980s to as high as 34 per 10,000 children in a study done in 2003 (Coury & Nash, 2003)
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