Understanding the experiences of parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in diverse cultural contexts is essential for tailoring effective interventions. The study titled "Risk and Resilience Among Mothers and Fathers of Primary School Age Children With ASD in Malaysia: A Qualitative Constructive Grounded Theory Approach" offers valuable insights that can help practitioners improve their skills and encourage further research.
Key Findings
The study explored the coping mechanisms and resilience of 22 parents (13 mothers and 9 fathers) of children with ASD in Malaysia. The qualitative analysis revealed four prominent themes:
- Initial Reaction to Child’s ASD Symptoms and Diagnosis: Parents often experienced initial shock and denial, followed by proactive help-seeking behaviors.
- Family Life Affected by a Child with ASD: Emotional turmoil and adjustments in daily routines were common, but many families also reported increased connectedness and mutual support.
- Awareness About ASD in Malaysia: There is a significant lack of knowledge and pervasive cultural beliefs that contribute to stigma and misunderstanding about ASD.
- Coping Strategies, Wellbeing, and Becoming Resilient: Parents developed resilience through gaining knowledge, strong spiritual faith, and social support from immediate and extended family members, as well as formal and informal support groups.
Practical Implications for Practitioners
Based on these findings, practitioners can enhance their skills by implementing the following strategies:
- Educate and Empower Parents: Providing parents with accurate information about ASD and effective coping strategies can help them feel more competent and less isolated.
- Facilitate Social Support Networks: Encourage the formation of support groups and community engagement to reduce stigma and provide emotional support.
- Respect Cultural Contexts: Understand and address cultural beliefs and practices that may influence how families perceive and cope with ASD.
- Collaborate with Families: Involve parents in the assessment and intervention processes to ensure that their unique needs and perspectives are considered.
Encouraging Further Research
The study highlights the need for more research on the experiences of parents in non-Western contexts. Future studies should explore the impact of different cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors on resilience and coping strategies. Longitudinal research could also provide insights into how resilience develops over time and across different stages of child development.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Risk and Resilience Among Mothers and Fathers of Primary School Age Children With ASD in Malaysia: A Qualitative Constructive Grounded Theory Approach.
