A Case Study: The Experiences and Predicaments of Parents Having Autistic Child

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Inclusive education gives equal opportunities to learners with special needs. The main objective of this study is for the teachers to be partners with parents in nurturing the autistic children and to make them realize the worth of each individual who may be having special needs and yet become functional individuals. Along with the objective, this study aimed to seek better ways in dealing with autistic children and understanding their needs in order for them to cope up with their difficulties in studying with the regular learners.

METHODS

Qualitative Research Method was used in the study since this work required profound pieces of evidence on the experiences and predicaments of parents having an autistic child. It also used Case Study Methodology on the three purposively selected autistic children in the District of Calatagan. It sought to describe the experiences of parents who have autistic children. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents from three families having children with autism residing in three barangays of Calatagan, Batangas.

RESULTS

The three parents described children with autism as "living in their own world," so parents too experienced the same feelings. Those parents ultimately felt that they were now having to "go it alone" in some aspects of their daily lives, but especially with respect to dealing with the challenges of parenting and caring for an autistic child. In "having the world of our own," parents described a world that was left to them, as such gave them a feeling of isolation from the mainstream. Parents' sense of being isolated is considered as arising from three main sources: lack of understanding by the society, missing a "normal" way of life and feeling disconnected from the family. Hence, it provides salient information that will be helpful to the autistic children; their parents, and the teachers.

DISCUSSIONS

The results may allow readers to gain a better understanding of the lived experiences of parents with autistic children. In order not to limit the parents' account of their experiences, using the word parenting was avoided in the description of the overall purpose. In doing so, parents shared with us not only aspects of their parenting role but also other aspects of their lives that were essential to their lived autism experience. Findings in this study revealed both similarities to and differences from previous researches in or outside of the country.