Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a serious developmental disorder that affects one throughout the lifespan in terms of social interaction, social communication, and social imagination. Considering the nature of autism, parents encounter some uncommon difficulties in their caregiving responsibilities. The qualitative research was conducted on parental experience in caring for an autistic child based on the Family Life-Cycle Model.
The research findings showed that such experience significantly varies at certain levels of family development, including “prediagnosis, diagnosis, family life adjustment, navigating the system, parental empowerment, and moving forward” (DePape and Lindsay 571). Despite the challenges these families faced, parents also noted some benefits of caring for an autistic child, such as an improved relationship with a child and partners, increased patience, and a better capacity to address the ASD.
The BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) communities in the United Kingdom face some additional challenges and barriers in caring for a child with ASD. According to Slade, these involve lack of the disorder knowledge, considering autism as a curable condition, cultural stigma, and negative assumptions of healthcare system. Thus, it is crucial to improve the accessibility of service providers and involve people from local BAME communities. Furthermore, the proper support and increased awareness of ASD might facilitate social integration, academic performance, and fulfilling life for autistic children.
This implies a culturally specific program for inclusion, family-related care, and aid services (Autism in the BAME Community UK Conference). Munroe et al. identified the impact of minority experience for the African community in the UK, such as “stigma, blame, and social isolation” associated with traditional cultural patterns (807). It also leads to a painful state of cognitive dissonance for the parents. To conclude, the following results are highly significant for the clinical practice and healthcare policy in creating culturally coherent services and increasing awareness about ASD within immigrant communities in the UK.
Works Cited
Autism in the BAME Community Symposium, 2018, London, United Kingdom. “Diverse Approach to Autism: Culture, Religion and Ethnicity. Paving the Future for Autism in BAME UK.” Autism Voice UK.
DePape, Anne-Marie, and Sally Lindsay. “Parents’ Experiences of Caring for a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Metasynthesis.” Qualitative Health Research, vol. 25, no. 4, 2014, pp. 569–583.
Munroe, Kathryn, et al. “The Experiences of African Immigrant Mothers Living in the United Kingdom with a Child Diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.” Disability & Society, vol. 31, no. 6, 2016, pp. 798–819.
Slade, Guy. Diverse Perspectives: The Challenges for Families Affected by Autism From Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities. National Autistic Society, 2014.