ASSESSMENT OF CHALLENGES AND SUPPORT NEEDS OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AT NEHEMIAH AUTISM CENTER IN ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the challenges of parents of children and their support needs in raising an autistic child. To attain this objective, a qualitative research approach was implemented. In this qualitative study, four parents of autistic children at Nehemiah Autism Center were interviewed regarding their experiences in having autistic children and the challenges encountered and their support need. In addition, two staff members were also interviewed. The researcher utilized semi-structured, in-depth, face-to-face interviews as a qualitative research method of data collection using interview guide. As the finding of this study indicated that, parents of autistic children experienced many challenges. Together with many other social, emotional and economic challenges these parents facing, lack of professional and institutional support were the major ones. The finding of the study also showed that parents and the public including health workers have limited awareness and information about the disorder. Therefore it can be concluded that the lack of information and awareness about the disorder is the biggest challenge this parents facing. As the public lacks awareness it also affects the service available to the autistic children and their parents. It is recommended that the concerned professionals and institutions main focus should be working on awareness creation.