Rati Kapoor
Asian Heart Institute, India
Title: Challenges, coping strategy, and quality of life of the parents having children with ASD in Mumbai, India
Biography
Biography: Rati Kapoor
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication andbehavioral challenges. The actual number of children with autism in India is unclear,and there is no evidence of the quality of life of the parents with ASD children. This study aimed to describe the challenges, coping strategy, and quality of life of the parents having children with ASD in Mumbai, India.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative approach using grounded theory has been adopted to explore the challenges, coping strategy, and quality of life. Ten in-depth interviews were carried out with parents of children with ASD. Qualitative content analysis has been carried out through N.ViVo software.
Results and Conclusion: Emotional distress is a major impact on parents. Parents struggle with managing various relationships with spouses, other children, and extended family members due to the increased attention required for their child. Social isolation and community intolerance are experienced by parents,and there isa problem of negotiating public encounters. Parents perceive very few doctors identify autism properly and suggest modalities to address it.