A qualitative study on the impact of raising a child with autism: A single parents perspective

• Main Authors: Dela Cruz, Marie Jowee G., Laggui, Jovelle Anne T., Macasaet, Camille Jamina S., Maniquis, Victoria Sabina J.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Parents of autistic children; Mothers of autistic children; Autistic children; Autism in children
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/9502
• Institution: De La Salle University

Parents raising a child with autism have to adjust in many ways that affect their well-being and because of autism's lifelong nature, they are confronted with a number of challenges in rearing their child primarily in the case of single parents. Autism is believed to be one of the most common disorders, it is also considered to be the most debilitating in today's time. Social support theory and the COPE model will be used as the guiding theoretical framework to explore and understand how single parents effectively subsist and manage daily. The aim of this study is to gain an understanding on the experiences of single parents in order to gain insight into their adaptations, beliefs, and coping strategies that are essential in getting a holistic picture and understanding. A qualitative data analysis research design guided the data collection and analysis process. Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted thoroughly among 13 participants. Verbatim transcriptions were analyzed in accordance with thematic analysis where themes were identified and explored. The study may result in positive social change in a familial level by understanding how single parents raise their autistic child as well as identifying coping methods and crucial support they need.