Experiences and coping strategies of parents with children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in early care with emphasis on social skills and family cultural values: A qualitative study

Abstract

Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience a grieving process upon receiving the diagnosis. In Spain, early care centers focus on providing care to this population. However, little is known about parents’ experiences during this process, the daily challenges they face due to their children’s social skills deficits, and how their context and values influence this process. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of parents of children diagnosed with ASD in early care services, focusing on their children’s social skills and the family’s cultural values. For this purpose, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 17 parents and a qualitative thematic analysis was made based on the principles of Gadamer’s hermeneutic phenomenology. Three main themes could be identified: the emotional process of the parents upon receiving the diagnosis, the unanticipated obstacles and coping strategies they use, and the role of cultural family values that maintain the family dynamics. Part of the findings emphasize the need for greater parental mental health care, the social difficulties faced by both parents and their children, and the importance of support networks and parental values in raising their children.