Work-family Conflict among Working Parents of Children with Autism in Malaysia

Abstract

This qualitative study describes the conflict between work roles and family roles, and recommendations to reduce the work-family conflict from the perspective of working parents of children with Autism in Malaysia. Data were collected personally from 12 respondents via a semi-structured interview. These working parents discussed the work-family conflict that they faced and what kind of needs that can help to overcome the conflicts, as well as if there is any support provided by their employer to reduce work-family conflict. Interview results indicate that balancing work roles and family roles at once is very challenging. It shows that these working parents need a nursery that accepts a child with Autism and support from their employer to lessen their work-family conflict.