A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF PERCEPTION OF AUTISM SUPPORT GROUPS AMONG PARENTS
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Keywords
Autism Support Group, advocacy, psychological well-being, emotional support, DSM 5 Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders
Abstract
Background: Receiving the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder often evokes strong psychological and emotional reaction from the parents of the diagnosed child. Autism Support group may be a necessary component to help families to adapt and meet their children’s basic needs.
Objective: This qualitative study was aimed to explore the facilitation and barriers of autism support groups.
Methodology: This qualitative research study was conducted at Riphah International University, Islamabad over a period of 6 months from 1 August 2022 to 31 January 2023, Study recruited N=20 parents of autistic children who joined a web-based autism support group. Interviews were conducted face to face and online after asking about basic demographics, their responses were recorded and written verbatim.
Results: The results confirmed that there was strong evidence of autism support groups as they help in the effectiveness of emotional, social, psychological, and mental health. Autism support groups showed strong evidence that confirms the availability of professionals and other mothers.
Conclusion: The Study concludes a favorable view of the Autism Support Group. Parents view this as valuable and successful for generating ideas, increasing awareness, and disseminating knowledge about best practices in interventional mode on a national and worldwide level without any barriers.
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Sidra Ali Khan
MS (SLP), Head Practitioner Speech Therapist, Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad,
Naima Farooq
PhD Scholar, Senior Lecturer, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Riphah International University Islamabad, E-mail:
Rabia Mansoor
MPhil (SLP), Senior Lecturer, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad,
Harmain Fatima
MS (SLP), Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Islamabad,
Sabi Abdullah
MS(SLP), Head Practitioner Speech Therapist Rehabilitation, Speech department, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, Email:
Ghulam Saqulain
FCPS (Otorhinolaryngology), HOD, Professor & Deputy Dean, Capital Hospital PGMI, Islamabad,