The experiences of families raising autistic children: A phenomenological study
نویسندگان
1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
2 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
3 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
4 Department of Rehabilitation Management, Rehabilitation Faculty, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
5 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
doi
چکیده
BACKGROUND: Conditions and needs of autistic children have impacts on both the children and thefamily members who have crucial roles in raising the child. The prevalence of autism is increasing,and this fact makes it necessary to focus more on experiences of parents who have children withautism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hence, this study aimed to reflect the experiences of parents whohave autistic children.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a qualitative research with phenomenologyapproach which was conducted using content analysis approach. Participants were 14 parents withASD children in Ahvaz, and they were included based on purposive sampling method. To gather therequired data, semi‑structured interviews were formed. Data analysis was performed by Colaizzi’sseven‑step method.RESULTS: Fifty‑four conceptual codes were extracted from interviews of ASD children parents.Parents of these children had two main experiences: first family related and second education andtreatment problems. Family problems included three categories (financial, psychological, and familyrelationships). Education and treatment was categorized into three (schooling, transporting, andquality in facilities).CONCLUSIONS: Problems mentioned by parents of autistic children highlight the need for providingtraining and counseling services as well as emotional supports from both society and government.Planning and implementing supportive plans empower parents to strategically face problems andeventually improve their life quality and mutual understanding.
