Understanding autism spectrum disorder and coping mechanism by parents: An explorative study

International Journal of Nursing Sciences
Hilda Shilubane, Nomfundo Mazibuko

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the perceptions of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their coping strategies. The data of the study was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The participants were purposefully selected from the three schools in Mpumalanga Province because they had children diagnosed with ASD and data was analyzed using thematic content analysis. In this study, primary caregivers were selected. In the end, 12 women were interviewed, and the data saturation was reached. Ethical considerations and measures to ensure trustworthiness were carried out throughout the study. The findings revealed two themes: caregivers' understanding and misconceptions of ASD and coping mechanisms used in dealing challenges of caring for a child with ASD; and five subthemes: lack of knowledge, cultural beliefs, prayer, strong support system, and acceptance. Based on the findings, more awareness campaigns should be done on ASD to increase parents' understanding of the condition. Understanding the cultural beliefs of parents regarding ASD may assist health care professionals in developing care practices that are accepted in their culture, and may enhance parents' coping skills.

References

Aug 26, 2010·Physical & Occupational Therapy in Pediatrics·Heather Miller KuhaneckAmy Rowntree Darragh
Aug 25, 2011·African Journal of Psychiatry·M O Bakare, K M Munir
Sep 24, 2014·Qualitative Health Research·Anne-Marie DePape, Sally Lindsay
Jul 1, 2013·Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health·Susan Malcolm-SmithPetrus de Vries
May 28, 2016·Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·Devon WhiteEmily Makrez
Jun 24, 2016·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Nola J ChambersRichard R Grinker
Sep 16, 2017·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Jessy GulerLauren Franz
Mar 13, 2019·Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·Aubyn C StahmerConnie Kasari
Apr 18, 2019·Autism : the International Journal of Research and Practice·Hannah Legg, Anna Tickle
Feb 6, 2020·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Sayyed Ali Samadi

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Software Mentioned

NVivo

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.