Lived Parenting Experiences and Challenges of ASD Children

Abstract

Parenting a child with autism is a particularly challenging task in itself. The experiences and needs of individuals with autism are diverse and unique, requiring a nuanced understanding and tailored approaches to support and accommodate their specific needs. AIM: The primary objective of this research is to delve into the multifaceted experiences and challenges encountered by parents especially the father of children with autism. It seeks to understand their unique journeys, highlighting the emotional, social, and practical struggles they face while navigating the complexities of raising a child with autism. Method: Three couples were identified using purposive sampling from a hospital set up in Delhi. The data was gathered via semi-structured interviews and was thematically analysed. Result: The analysis of the findings was carried out about the delineated research questions, it was found that there were significant disparities in the parenting encounters, which can be attributed to the prevailing gender stereotypes in Indian culture. Furthermore, it was seen that a child's illness can have a substantial influence on the marital connection of couples. This relationship may either get stronger or weakened depending on the degree of perceived support, coping mechanisms, and participation exhibited by both partners. By focusing on these aspects, the research aspires to contribute to a deeper understanding of parental perspectives and inform the development of targeted support systems and interventions tailored to their needs