Yongshen Feng, Tsz Ying Christine Ng, Dali Lu, Lily Man Lee Chan, Junyan Li, Pui Hing Chau, Jojo Yan Yan Kwok
{"title":"Raising Autistic Children in Mainland China: A Qualitative Study of Parental Experiences and Challenges.","authors":"Yongshen Feng, Tsz Ying Christine Ng, Dali Lu, Lily Man Lee Chan, Junyan Li, Pui Hing Chau, Jojo Yan Yan Kwok","doi":"10.1007/s10803-025-06877-x","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Parenting children with autism presents unique challenges globally, particularly in China, where cultural factors and an underdeveloped service system can add complexity. This study aimed to explore the parenting experience and challenges of parents raising an autistic child in mainland China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative descriptive design using individual semi-structured interviews. Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited in mainland China from April to July 2023. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five Chinese parents (nineteen mothers and six fathers) of autistic children were interviewed. Four themes emerged: (1) diminished quality of life due to the caregiving role; (2) fears and worries regarding children's development; (3) experiences of isolation and loneliness in the caregiving journey; and (4) parental behaviors and their impact on child development.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that effective support for individuals with autism extends beyond individual-level interventions, necessitating the integration of family care and robust community support systems. Cultivating autism-friendly communities - where understanding, acceptance, and resources are readily available - is crucial for a more inclusive and supportive environment that addresses cultural stigma, empowers caregivers, and ensures access to appropriate services.</p>","PeriodicalId":15148,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2000,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders","FirstCategoryId":"102","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-025-06877-x","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"PSYCHOLOGY, DEVELOPMENTAL","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: Parenting children with autism presents unique challenges globally, particularly in China, where cultural factors and an underdeveloped service system can add complexity. This study aimed to explore the parenting experience and challenges of parents raising an autistic child in mainland China.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive design using individual semi-structured interviews. Using purposive sampling, participants were recruited in mainland China from April to July 2023. Interview data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Twenty-five Chinese parents (nineteen mothers and six fathers) of autistic children were interviewed. Four themes emerged: (1) diminished quality of life due to the caregiving role; (2) fears and worries regarding children's development; (3) experiences of isolation and loneliness in the caregiving journey; and (4) parental behaviors and their impact on child development.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that effective support for individuals with autism extends beyond individual-level interventions, necessitating the integration of family care and robust community support systems. Cultivating autism-friendly communities - where understanding, acceptance, and resources are readily available - is crucial for a more inclusive and supportive environment that addresses cultural stigma, empowers caregivers, and ensures access to appropriate services.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders seeks to advance theoretical and applied research as well as examine and evaluate clinical diagnoses and treatments for autism and related disabilities. JADD encourages research submissions on the causes of ASDs and related disorders, including genetic, immunological, and environmental factors; diagnosis and assessment tools (e.g., for early detection as well as behavioral and communications characteristics); and prevention and treatment options. Sample topics include: Social responsiveness in young children with autism Advances in diagnosing and reporting autism Omega-3 fatty acids to treat autism symptoms Parental and child adherence to behavioral and medical treatments for autism Increasing independent task completion by students with autism spectrum disorder Does laughter differ in children with autism? Predicting ASD diagnosis and social impairment in younger siblings of children with autism The effects of psychotropic and nonpsychotropic medication with adolescents and adults with ASD Increasing independence for individuals with ASDs Group interventions to promote social skills in school-aged children with ASDs Standard diagnostic measures for ASDs Substance abuse in adults with autism Differentiating between ADHD and autism symptoms Social competence and social skills training and interventions for children with ASDs Therapeutic horseback riding and social functioning in children with autism Authors and readers of the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders include sch olars, researchers, professionals, policy makers, and graduate students from a broad range of cross-disciplines, including developmental, clinical child, and school psychology; pediatrics; psychiatry; education; social work and counseling; speech, communication, and physical therapy; medicine and neuroscience; and public health.