Journal of Education and Health Promotion

The experiences of families raising autistic children: A phenomenological study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

. Farzad Faraji‑Khiavi 1
. Mansour Zahiri 2
. Elham Amiri 3
. Behnaz Dindamal 2
. Narges Pirani 4

1 Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran, Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

2 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

3 Department of Rehabilitation Management, Rehabilitation Faculty, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

4 Department of Health Services Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Conditions and needs of autistic children have impacts on both the children and the
family members who have crucial roles in raising the child. The prevalence of autism is increasing,
and this fact makes it necessary to focus more on experiences of parents who have children with
autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Hence, this study aimed to reflect the experiences of parents who
have autistic children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a qualitative research with phenomenology
approach which was conducted using content analysis approach. Participants were 14 parents with
ASD children in Ahvaz, and they were included based on purposive sampling method. To gather the
required data, semi‑structured interviews were formed. Data analysis was performed by Colaizzi’s
seven‑step method.
RESULTS: Fifty‑four conceptual codes were extracted from interviews of ASD children parents.
Parents of these children had two main experiences: first family related and second education and
treatment problems. Family problems included three categories (financial, psychological, and family
relationships). Education and treatment was categorized into three (schooling, transporting, and
quality in facilities).
CONCLUSIONS: Problems mentioned by parents of autistic children highlight the need for providing
training and counseling services as well as emotional supports from both society and government.
Planning and implementing supportive plans empower parents to strategically face problems and
eventually improve their life quality and mutual understanding.

Keywords

Autism spectrum disorder
parents
qualitative research
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Journal of Education and Health Promotion
Volume 11, Issue 2
February 2021
Pages 1-7

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