Families Living With a Child Diagnosed With Autism: Challenges and Coping Mechanisms
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Date
2014-06
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Abstract
Families are facing a number of challenges in raising a child with developmental
disability. Though there are different types of developmental disabilities, autism is one of
the most important developmental disabilities to be studied. The functional family system
is experiencing a challenging situation due caring a child with autism which further
affects family members and the community at large. The main objective of this study is to
understand the challenges in relation to psychological, social, economic, marital and
sibling aspects and coping mechanism of families living with a child diagnosed with
autism. A qualitative approach particularly a case study was used in this study. The tool
for collecting primary data was in depth interview to gather detail information about
family challenges. Six families whose children are enrolled at Joy Center for Children
with Autism and Related Developmental Disorder were involved in the study. Finding of
the study was analyzed using finding of case study with thematic areas. The finding from
the study confirmed that study participant families living with a child diagnosed with
autism are facing psychological, social, and economic challenges. Stress, anxiety, social
isolation, discrimination, limitation in labor market participation and financial burdens
are the main challenges. Families have employed various coping mechanisms to
minimize the magnitude of these challenges. In addition, the result of the finding has
implication to social work practice. Provision of psychosocial support and awareness
creation has to be addressed with different stakeholders in health and social sector. In
addition, research works in the area of disabilities particularly autism has to be
encouraged
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Keywords
Challenges; Coping Mechanisms; Families; Psychosocial support