An analysis on the experience of parenting for adults with autism spectrum disorder
Date
2022
Authors
Lee, Jonathan, author
Hepburn, Susan, advisor
Brown, Samantha, committee member
Daunhauer, Lisa, committee member
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Abstract
A paucity of research has been conducted into the unique experience of parents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This lack of scientific understanding about a parent's lived experience is an obstacle to developing effective psychotherapeutic approaches to parents who have identified awareness of characteristic features of ASD. In this study, we present a qualitative case study of two adults with ASD who are parents. Both parents participated in an extensive interview focused on several domains: impacts resulting from characteristics of ASD, life changes resulting from a diagnosis or recognition of characteristics, impacts on executive functioning related processes, experience as a parent prior to recognition of characteristics or a diagnosis, belief in parenting ability, and insight into recommendations for support. Findings highlighted three main themes: 1) a conscious choice in accepting change, 2) saturation of self, and 3) the necessity for clinicians to adopt a learner's mindset.
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Subject
autism
parenting experience
attachment
parenting with autism
executive function