Assessment of Psychosocial and Economic Experiences of Autism on Parents of Autistic Children at Nehemiah Autism Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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2020-11
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
ASD is the fastest-growing developmental disorder and emerging public health issues globally that is associated with a huge psychosocial and economic burden. Studies so far look at the causes and cure for autism. However, little work has been done on the impacts of autism on parents of children with autism face in their upbringing. This study brought out the psychosocial and economic experiences parents with autistic children face as well as the support needs and the coping mechanisms these parents adopt to deal with the condition of their children. Data were collected through an In-depth interview from the qualitative method. Purposive non-probability sampling was employed to select study participants from the total population. Prominent themes the study highlights on parents' knowledge about autism, parents 1st feeling, acceptance, psychosocial, and the financial burden of taking care of them, support needs, and coping mechanisms. On the other hand, stigmatization, misconception, misjudgment of their autistic children as well as themselves, and the demandingness of the autistic children were highly practiced by these parents. With these problems, parents in the study adapted to their situation by accepting the situation of their wards, depending on God for strength, receiving support and encouragement from some family members and friends, joining support groups, as well as taking leave from work to help their children seek proper medical care.
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Assessment of Psychosocial and Economic Experiences of Autism on Parents of Autistic Children at Nehemiah Autism Center in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia