DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED AT HOME BY PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Athanasia Tsioka, Εvrydiki Kaba, Theodoula Αdamakidou, Paraskevi Apostolara

Thursday, April 1, 2021

Publication year:

2021

Authors:

• Tsioka Athanasia, RN, Metal Health Nurse
• Kaba Εvrydiki, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece
• Αdamakidou Theodoula, Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing, University of West Attica, Greece
• Apostolara Paraskevi, Lecture, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health and Caring Sciences, University of West Attica, Athens, Greece

Keywords index:

• Autistic Spectrum Disorder
• Parental experience
• Consequences for the family
• Athome support
• Caregivers
• Homebased behaviors

Pages: 208-219

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.5651596

Abstract:

Introduction: The parents experience difficulties children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Objective: The study of the

subjective experience and difficulties experienced at home by parents of preschool children diagnosed with Autistic

Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Μethod and Μaterial: Qualitative research with a sample of 6 parents, all residing in the

wider Athens area. Data collected with unstructured interviews that took place from September to December 2019.

Data analysis was based on the Grounded Theory methodology. Results: The analysis of data revealed the following

four thematic units: a) Lack/insufficiency of services, b) Need for at-home support, c) Everyday problems, d) Consequences/

difficulties. Conclusions: There is a need for a national plan of support for families raising children with ASD,

revision of therapeutic protocols, but also more effective sensitization of the whole of society.