Challenges and coping mechanism of caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder came to terms with parental burden facing challenges and coping strategies of the parents. It’s a lifetime responsibility for caregivers, exploring their burdens, expectations and coping in dealing with unusual child behavior. This study utilized a quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research in order to explore the challenges and coping strategies of caregivers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. The purposive sampling technique was used in selecting the 102 total samples. Those samples were from the data lists of caregivers of children with ASD from the Riyadh Autism Centers. The data were collected by using a self-administered questionnaire distributed electronically among caregivers with an autistic child with the help of autism centers. The data were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 23.0. Findings indicated that ASD is more prevalent in male than female. The profound category or the milder type is the common ASD severity levels. Physical challenges were apparently encountered by the caregivers as compared to the mental challenges. Strengthening one’s spiritual to positivity, hope and prayer is the main coping strategies performed by the caregivers with ASD children. Five of the socio-demographics were statistically significant to challenges and coping strategies.