The wellbeing of immigrant parents with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Abrefa, Juliana Amoakoah; Okonkwo, Jennifer Chinenye (2022)
Abrefa, Juliana Amoakoah
Okonkwo, Jennifer Chinenye
2022
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202204225700
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202204225700
Tiivistelmä
Taking care of children can have an influence on parents’ wellbeing and the same applies to having a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the challenges immigrant parents face in everyday life of taking care of their child with ASD and how it affects their wellbeing.
Five immigrant parents with children with autism spectrum disorder in Finland were interviewed and their narratives were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. The results show that immigrant parents’ experience of having a child with ASD has an influence on their wellbeing both positively and negatively. Professionals and the municipality provide avenues for better services that promote a positive impact on the wellbeing of the immigrant parents whilst cultural diversity, language and lack of confidence also affect them negatively. Again, the study’s finding revealed that immigrant parents with children with ASD face challenges such as stress, maintaining social relationships, and diversity in cultural beliefs. Additionally, the study further shows that having a daily routine, acquiring knowledge on ASD, and receiving support from the social and health services were mechanisms that help them deal with the situation.
Many websites for ASD have adequate information about the condition, the process in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and how to cope with the child’s functional development daily. However, the focus is more on the child with ASD and not the parents who will cater for the child’s needs and functionality. Therefore, professionals in this field need to provide culturally competent care and encourage immigrant parents to out voice their expectations and discomfort.
The research urges further studies on this subject to support the wellbeing of immigrant parents with children with autism spectrum disorder.
Five immigrant parents with children with autism spectrum disorder in Finland were interviewed and their narratives were analysed by using qualitative content analysis. The results show that immigrant parents’ experience of having a child with ASD has an influence on their wellbeing both positively and negatively. Professionals and the municipality provide avenues for better services that promote a positive impact on the wellbeing of the immigrant parents whilst cultural diversity, language and lack of confidence also affect them negatively. Again, the study’s finding revealed that immigrant parents with children with ASD face challenges such as stress, maintaining social relationships, and diversity in cultural beliefs. Additionally, the study further shows that having a daily routine, acquiring knowledge on ASD, and receiving support from the social and health services were mechanisms that help them deal with the situation.
Many websites for ASD have adequate information about the condition, the process in diagnosis, rehabilitation, and how to cope with the child’s functional development daily. However, the focus is more on the child with ASD and not the parents who will cater for the child’s needs and functionality. Therefore, professionals in this field need to provide culturally competent care and encourage immigrant parents to out voice their expectations and discomfort.
The research urges further studies on this subject to support the wellbeing of immigrant parents with children with autism spectrum disorder.