Clinical Report: Exploring Parental Experiences in Managing Autism Spectrum Disorder

Overview

This study investigates the lived experiences of parents caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Ghana, revealing significant emotional, social, and financial challenges faced by these families.

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that significantly impacts both affected individuals and their families. Parents often face emotional and psychological burdens, compounded by societal stigma and misconceptions about autism.

Data Highlights

No numerical data was provided in the source material.

Key Findings

• Parents reported profound emotional, social, psychological, and financial challenges in caring for children with ASD.
• Stigma and spiritual accusations were common, particularly affecting mothers.
• Marital difficulties were frequently associated with the caregiving experience.
• Parents exhibited resilience through various coping strategies, including lifestyle adaptations and reliance on faith.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should be aware of the unique challenges faced by parents of children with ASD.

Conclusion

The study highlights the challenges faced by parents of children with ASD.

Related Resources & Content

1. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 2026 -- Navigating through the care of children with autism spectrum disorder: parents’ lived experiences in a Ghanaian Regional Hospital
2. BMJ Paediatrics Open — Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the challenges faced by parents of children with autism and recommendations to address them: a qualitative study in Hong Kong
3. Frontiers in Psychiatry — The Long-Term Psychological Processing of an Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnosis in Parents
4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — “I ask them what autism means for them”: a qualitative study of staff experiences of working with autistic women and birthing people in community perinatal mental health teams
5. Frontiers in Psychiatry — Outcomes from the ASPEN intervention program: a randomized clinical trial of a culturally adapted parent-mediated intervention program in low-resource settings
6. WHO Fact Sheet on Autism Spectrum Disorders
7. WHO Analysis on Vaccines and Autism
8. American Family Physician Review on Autism Spectrum Disorder
9. NICE Guidance on Autism Spectrum Disorder
10. AAP: Evidence too limited to recommend leucovorin broadly for autistic children | AAP News | American Academy of Pediatrics
11. Frontiers | Parent-mediated early intervention in infants and toddlers at elevated likelihood for autism: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
12. A systematic review and meta-analysis of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions for autism spectrum disorder | Nature Mental Health
13. Network meta-analysis of the effects of digital interventions on social functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder - PubMed
14. Effectiveness and experiences of early intensive behavioral and naturalistic developmental behavior interventions for autism spectrum disorders: a mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis | Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health | Springer Nature Link
15. The effects of play-based interventions on social and play skills in children with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis | Irish Journal of Medical Science (1971 -) | Springer Nature Link
16. Randomized controlled trial of family involved core features target intervention for young autistic children - PubMed
17. Fostering Infant Responsivity and Reciprocity – Support to Thrive (FIRRST): a multisite randomized control trial of a pre-emptive telehealth intervention for infants with early signs of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Italy | Trials | Springer Nature Link
18. Expanding Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health in Ghana: Integration of Services into the National Health Insurance Scheme
19. SECURING CHILDREN’S TOMORROW TODAY: GHANA LAUNCHES REVISED ECCD POLICY : Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection
20. Navigating through the care of children with autism spectrum disorder: parents’ lived experiences in a Ghanaian Regional Hospital
21. Tele-delivered caregiver coaching for autism in South Africa – A mixed-methods study of acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility - Marisa Viljoen, Zahrah Ismail Dawood, Noleen Seris, Nokuthula Shabalala, Minkateko Ndlovu, Petrus J de Vries, Lauren Franz, 2026