Parents' Experiences of Caring for a Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Bibliographic Data

ID4621507
AuthorsAnne-Marie Depape (Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada), Sally Lindsay (0000-0002-5903-290X, Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada)
Year2015
Volume25
Issue4
Pages569-583
Publication date2015-04-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueQualitative Health Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1049-7323 • E-ISSN: 1552-7557
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/1049732314552455
PMID25246329
OpenAlexW2156920995
LanguageEN
Citations received46
References cited60

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder involving abnormal communication, repetitive and restrictive interests, and impaired social functioning. ASD can have a profound impact on family life, including the roles and responsibilities that parents assume. In this metasynthesis, we explore the experiences of parents who care for a child with ASD. We undertook a thematic synthesis to integrate qualitative evidence, searching 10 electronic databases and reviewing 4,148 abstracts. We selected 31 articles for inclusion (involving 160 fathers and 425 mothers) and examined the articles using a constant comparative approach. We identified six themes: prediagnosis, diagnosis, family life adjustment, navigating the system, parental empowerment, and moving forward. Our findings can inform the development of programs and services for families, provide insight for health care workers who advocate on behalf of parents, and provide valuable information to parents, particularly those of children newly diagnosed with ASD

Autism · Autism spectrum disorder · Developmental psychology · Empowerment · Qualitative research · Thematic analysis · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Family and Disability Support Research · Infant Development and Preterm Care · Psychology · Social Psychology