Exploring Coping Strategies in Parents Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

The aim of the present qualitative study was to explore different coping strategies in parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder. By utilization of an interpretative phenomenological analysis IPA the lived experiences of the parents were measured for coping strategies. Initially Permission was granted from the official or group admin in the community that is entitled Autism Resource Group Pakistan on social media as on WhatsApp/Facebook, in said community or group parents of ASD children across Pakistan or outside Pakistan (Pakistani only) are available for the facilitation they get information or knowledge that is used to better provide the parenting or care for their ASD children. In this study in-depth interviews were conducted with the participants of ASD children to explore the coping strategies they use. Purposive sampling technique was used for the data collection and the sample size for the current was 12 (n=12) individuals with equal number of representations from the male (father) =6 and female (mother) =6. The Data was recorded and transcribed. Various themes were identified from the transcript. Themes for the coping strategies included: Management of emotional difficulties, Management of worry and stress, Self-care and Compassion, and Management of challenging feelings. By replication of these coping strategies the other parents can benefit from it, and they can manage the issues they have while having or raising a child with autism spectrum disorder.