MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Numerous situations necessitate social adjustments within families, and the birth of a child represents a fundamental instance. However, no matter how prepared a family is, none is prepared enough for the birth of a child with ASD and the challenges that comes with it. The complexities associated with the birth and upbringing of an autistic child intertwine intricate array of challenges both within the family unit and within the broader societal context. Asides, confronting societal isolation, parents grapple not only with comprehending the intricacies of autism but also with primary questions regarding causality, management strategies, avenues for support, and the uncertainties of their children's future. This constant struggle manifests in persistent stress, anxiety, and depression, as substantiated by existing research, which underscores a higher prevalence of these mental health challenges amongst parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in comparison to their counterparts raising typically developing children. This study meticulously employed a systematic search approach across two prominent databases, Cinahl Ultimate and PsyINFO. After the application of rigorous exclusion and inclusion criteria, the review and assessment of articles from these databases encompassed the selection of 10 articles, elucidating pertinent insights. The findings revealed a recurring pattern of increased level of stress, depressive symptoms, and anxiety adverse mental health outcomes among parents raising children with ASD due to an interplay of innumerable numbers of factors. This complex interplay of factors included the critical influence of social support both formal and informal, societal lack of understanding culminating in isolation and stigmatization, behavioural challenges exhibited by ASD children which make them constantly fall below societal expectation, coping mechanisms adopted by parents, socioeconomic factors which serves as a predictive elements for ASD severity, and fear of the future which plays a pivotal roles in influencing parental mental health outcome. In conclusion, enhancing the mental health outcomes of parents navigating the challenges of raising children with ASD necessitates a comprehensive and collaborative approach involving all societal stakeholders. The implementation of robust policies and structures stands imperative to provide sustained and consistent support for this specific cohort of parents