A qualitative study exploring experiences and support needs of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Singapore.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE

To explore the experiences and support needs of parents of children with recently diagnosed autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Singapore.

BACKGROUND

Raising a child with ASD is challenging for parents, especially in the initial period following the diagnosis. Limited studies have focused on parents' perspectives.

DESIGN

A qualitative descriptive design study.

METHODS

Thirteen parents were recruited from a developmental and behavioural paediatric outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Singapore from October-December 2018. Adult parents, who were primary caregivers of 2-10-year-old children diagnosed with ASD in the preceding 3 months to 2 years, were recruited. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were conducted based on an interview guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist was used for reporting.

RESULTS

Common themes were analysed using constant comparative method to generate results. Four themes emerged after 13 interviews: (1) adjusting psychologically, (2) changing lifestyle, (3) contending with hurdles to services and (4) needing informational, tangible and emotional support.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggested a need for more formal support networks, targeted resource platforms and accessibility of services to help support parents better after receiving a diagnosis of ASD in their child.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

Enhancing current healthcare and social policies to improve the provision of standardised and targeted information to parents, establishing formal support networks, facilitating access to childcare services, and involving domestic helpers/nannies as dedicated caregivers and trainers could better support parents.