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An Exploration of Coping Strategies Employed by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder


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1 Jain University, Bengaluru, India
     

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The aim of the study was to explore the coping strategies employed by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Twelve parents were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview schedule developed for the purpose of the study. Parents were divided into two groups. Group A consisting of parents whose children were recently given a diagnosis and Group B parents whose children fell in the age group of twelve to eighteen years. A total of six parents (three mothers and three fathers) in each group were recruited, and their responses were analysed thematically. The study was conducted in a special school in Bangalore, India. The results of the study showed that the main coping strategies employed were the use of parent groups and supportive space. Additional factors that influenced coping included “hope” in Group A and “growth” in Group B. Results also indicated the need for individual intervention. Differences in family dynamics in the two groups emerged, suggesting a need for family intervention, along with the need for effective parent training programs to enable parents to plan for their child’s future.

Keywords

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Coping Strategies, Family Dynamics, Parent Intervention, Supportive Space.
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  • An Exploration of Coping Strategies Employed by Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

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Authors

Nausheen Hussain
Jain University, Bengaluru, India
Madhurini Vallikad
Jain University, Bengaluru, India

Abstract


The aim of the study was to explore the coping strategies employed by parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. Twelve parents were interviewed, using a semi-structured interview schedule developed for the purpose of the study. Parents were divided into two groups. Group A consisting of parents whose children were recently given a diagnosis and Group B parents whose children fell in the age group of twelve to eighteen years. A total of six parents (three mothers and three fathers) in each group were recruited, and their responses were analysed thematically. The study was conducted in a special school in Bangalore, India. The results of the study showed that the main coping strategies employed were the use of parent groups and supportive space. Additional factors that influenced coping included “hope” in Group A and “growth” in Group B. Results also indicated the need for individual intervention. Differences in family dynamics in the two groups emerged, suggesting a need for family intervention, along with the need for effective parent training programs to enable parents to plan for their child’s future.

Keywords


Autism Spectrum Disorder, Coping Strategies, Family Dynamics, Parent Intervention, Supportive Space.

References