The Social Stigma and the Challenges of Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Greece

摘要

This paper describes the social stigma and the challenges some Greek parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) faced in Athens, Greece. The sample consisted of seventy-four parents of children with ASD and a mixed methods approach was used; (seventy - four parents completed a semi - structured questionnaire and twenty had semi-structured interviews). The quantitative and qualitative findings show these parents and families of ASD children experienced stigma in various ways which played a major role in making their lives difficult. This study offers a lens through which to view attitudes towards disability, stigmatisation, especially when resources are scarce. It was conducted in Greece during the period of austerity, affecting the delivery of education within social – cultural restraints. So studies at a different time or in another place could produce other findings.