The thesis analyses challenges, distresses, and self-care among parents, in relation with their autistic disorder diagnosed children in times of the covid-19 epidemic during the 2020/21 school year. The theoretical part is devised from three segments. The first segment describes the history of autistic spectrum disorder (herein abbreviated as ASD), defining and classifying it, Asperger’s syndrome, discusses the frequency and causes including detailed characteristics of ASD. The second segment defines the concept of family, describes family using the systems theory, explains characteristics of parents of children with special needs (herein abbreviated as CSN), challenges of parents of children with ASD, help and support of ASD children’s families and adds a collection of informal organizations, which can be used by the parents for help. The third segment discusses the topic of the covid-19 epidemic, specifically defining the traumatic crisis, explaining the consequences of social isolation and introducing at home learning for children with ASD.
Purpose of the empirical part is to gain a thorough insight into the experience of parents of children with ASD during the covid-19 epidemic and to learn what challenges and potential distresses they faced, how they confronted them, how they took care of themselves, and what kind of support they were given. The study was implemented using a qualitative research approach, using interviews made exclusively for this study. The sample covers seven mothers of children diagnosed with ASD, who attend a regular programme with adjusted learning and additional expert help or adjusted programme with an equal educational standard.
Results of the study show mothers confronted multiple challenges, such as assuming the role of a teacher, adjusting work responsibility and child care, establishing new routines, and issuing family roles. Meanwhile, their children with ASD displayed less unwanted behaviour, due to having less challenges at home and a better adjusted environment. A greater majority of the families adapted to the new settings well, improving and deepening their relationships. The mothers experienced feelings of exhaustion and fatigue, which can be attributed to being overburdened at work and home, as well as lack of self-care. Mothers of children with ASD sought help and support and received it, in school and other public institutions, support groups, and mainly from their partner and immediate family, their self-care consisted of physical activity in nature, psychotherapy, relaxation techniques, and drug therapy.
On the basis of the study the thesis adds to the already existing, albeit rare studies in the field of parents of children with ASD and it is the first to discuss the experience of parents of children with ASD during life crises, which can leave significant consequences on children and parents. Mainly, the thesis gives an insight into the experience, confrontations and needs of parents of children with ASD in crisis situations, which can add to the discussion of shaping help and support for these parents during crisis events.
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