Experiences of parents of children with autism in aboom unit for children with intellectual disabilities in Cape Coast, Ghana

Abstract

This qualitative phenomenological study described experiences of parents of children with autism in Cape Coast in the Central Region of Ghana. Ten parents participated in the study. Data were collected and analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi-structured interview and observation were used to generate detailed descriptions of the phenomena. Data analysis from the narrative dialogues brought out four main themes (a) emotional impact (b) financial challenges (c) support services, and (d) coping strategies. The results revealed that, parents experience greater stress and sadness in caring for a child with autism. Their increased responsibility in caring for their children resulted in their spouses and other family members blaming them for the cause of the child's disability. Increased time in caring for a child with autism made spouses feel neglected, thus causing marital conflicts and of other siblings in the family. Parents of children with autism were faced with superstitious beliefs, and stigmatization for associating themselves with a child with autism. Other significant findings include financial demands on parents and a connection between disability and poverty, especially mothers, as well as difficulty accessing education for their children. The study recommended that the government, non-governmental organizations, and the social welfare department should ensure continuous in-depth public education and sensitization on disability to help tackle stigma. Future research should investigate experiences of siblings and extended family members of children with autism.