A phenomenological study on lived experiences of challenges faced by parents of autistic children at selected centres of Indore in the year 2016-2017

Abstract

Autistic children are a group of children with developmental disabilities characterised by impairments in social interaction and communication and by restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour. The present study was conducted to gain a deeper understanding of the lived experiences of parents with autistic children and to explore the challenges faced by the parents of autistic children. A phenomenological qualitative design was employed, and 11 parents of autistic children were selected using a purposive sampling technique, as per the predetermined inclusion criteria. A semi-structured interview schedule was used for data collection. Voice recording of the conversation was done, the transcript was then thematically analysed using open code 4.02 software. Coding and categorization of the transcript was done using the software, based on which major six themes were emerged. The findings of the study revealed certain themes like lack of awareness, emotional challenges, parental concerns, impact on family, societal challenges, financial challenges. Children with autism have trouble communicating. They had trouble understanding what other people think and feel. This makes it very hard for them to express themselves either with words or through gestures, facial expression and touch.