Investigating the Coping Strategies and the Needs of Parents of Children with ASD Applied During Confrontation with Community Stigma in the West Bank رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the coping strategies and needs of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the West Bank, with a particular focus on community stigma. Since parents of children with ASD often face unique challenges and stresses, this study aims to explore the adaptive and maladaptive coping strategies used by parents while dealing with these challenges and stresses. The study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional design. The study sample consisted of 100 parents of children with ASD through structured questionnaires. Results revealed that parents primarily rely on adaptive coping strategies such as acceptance, religion and seeking emotional support. On the other hand, maladaptive strategies like substance use and denial are rarely used. The findings also emphasized the importance of family and community support, financial assistance and the ability to access information about ASD. Moreover, the study indicates that community stigma is a significant barrier, which limits parents’ ability to seek support and increase their stress. However, the study results confirmed that parents demonstrated strength and rejected self-blame, which means that they were able to maintain confidence in their parenting abilities despite pressures and community stigma. Based on the research findings, several recommendations are provided by the researcher. First of all, the researcher emphasized the importance of conducting further research and studies that addresses parents of children with ASD needs. And the importance of raising people’s awareness of ASD children and equip their parents with the appropriate information and knowledge which helps reducing the gap between children with ASD and the world around them. In addition, the researcher suggests empowering parents of children with ASD financially. Children with ASD should be provided with scholarships, health insurance, special education, and different types of treatments. This would significantly help them reduce stress and overcome challenges