Lived Experiences of Parents with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Porferia  S. Poralan,; Kiara Althea  Q. Abear,; Kimberlee  D. Buncalan,; La Donna Kaye  S. Juson,

Lived Experiences of Parents with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Kiara Althea Q. Abear | Kimberlee D. Buncalan | La Donna Kaye S. Juson | Porferia S. Poralan

Discipline: Education

Abstract:

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe and understand the lived experiences of parents with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder through phenomenological approach. In-depth interview was implemented in this study to collect qualitative data. In-depth interview (IDI) and focus group discussion (FDG) helped the participants to talk the topic with the use of open-ended questions and the researchers prepared guide questions for all the participants. The participants were chosen by the availability of the parent’s schedule and were given criteria with their participation to the research study. We have 8 participants in which the 5 of these participants have undergone In-depth interview for a more intensive interview while the remaining 3 are from a focus group discussion. The parents were chosen through the inclusion criteria in which the parent/s have their son or daughter diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After conducting the interview, the researchers transcribed the data and used thematic analysis to provide explanations, understanding, and interpretation of the phenomena on the people and situations which we are studying. The researchers classified the answers of the respondent’s base on their common experiences, feelings and perceptions. Data were examined thoroughly to get meaningful and symbolic content that contributes to the purpose of the study. Furthermore, this study aimed to voice out the concerns in dealing with having a child that is diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. For institutions, the study aimed to improve the curriculum through understanding the Lived Experiences of Parents with Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and in order to create improvements on the existing laws or privileges that will benefit the parents, child, and school.