Objective:

To explore the lived experiences of parents caring for children living with autism spectrum disorder at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital.

Approach:

• Research Method: An explorative qualitative research approach was employed, using purposive sampling to interview 10 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.
• Data Collection: Data were collected using an interview guide and analyzed through thematic content analysis.

Key Findings:

• Parents face profound emotional, social, psychological, and financial challenges.
• Many participants reported experiences of stigma, spiritual accusations, and marital difficulties associated with caregiving.
• Parents demonstrated resilience through coping strategies, including behavioral adaptations, reliance on faith, and consciously disregarding negative societal attitudes.

Interpretation:

The findings highlight the need for comprehensive support systems, including psychological counseling, marital therapy, and rehabilitation support services, to assist parents in navigating the complex challenges of caregiving.

Limitations:

• The study's sample size was limited to 10 parents, which may not represent the broader population.
• The findings are context-specific to Ghana and may not be generalizable to other regions.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the need for coordinated support systems to reduce parental burden and enhance well-being.