CHALLENGES FACED BY FAMILIES OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

Introduction. Parents begin to make plans for the future of their family and for their children during the period when they are thinking about expanding the family or when a pregnancy is confirmed. Learning that their child has developmental disorder, drastically changes the parents' perspective and view of both parenting and the child itself, at the same time also requiring changes in parental expectations. When the parents realize that their child has long-term developmental issues, the outcome of which is uncertain, various types of psychological reactions may occur. Subject. The subject of this research is the challenges faced by parents and the key processes they go through when confronting, reacting and accepting the diagnosis of their child. Method. The “Reaction to Diagnosis Interview” (RDI) by Pianta and Marvin (Pianta & Marvin, 1992) was used as an instrument. Results. The results have shown that among the “resolved” mothers, the most frequent subcategory are the “hinking-oriented” mothers, followed by “action-oriented” mothers. Among “unresolved” mothers, the majority are the “feelings orients”, followed by “emotionally overwhelmed” mothers. Conclusion. The results of this research have significant clinical implications about how unresolved parental relationships affect further family adaptation.