An exploration of resilience in families with a child diagnosed with an Autism spectrum disorder

摘要

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to explore how families withudchildren with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) were able to move through theudadverse situation that they face while raising a child with significant developmental needsudand challenges. The theoretical framework that guided this phenomenological researchudwas family resilience. The research participants included 14 parents of at least one childudwith an ASD. The age range of the participants ranged from 30 to 65, and they alludresided in a large metropolitan area. A face-to-face interview was conducted with each ofudthe participants in their own home or in a private setting. Participants were asked oneudquestion: Please tell me about your experience of raising a child with an ASD. Theudinterviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed to determine themes.udEight themes emerged: (a) balancing life around the child with ASD; (b)udremaining watchful and alert; (c) reaching a point of acceptance; (d) dealing withudjudgment; (e) gaining support; (t) relying on spirituality and faith; (g) learning to laugh;udand (h) celebrating small successes. Conclusions, implications, and recommendations forudfuture studies were reported in an effort to aid family therapists, school staff, and otherududmental health professionals in providing supports and resources to families with childrenudwith ASD.