Problems faced by the parents of autistic children: a qualitative study in Punjab, Pakistan

Objective: To explore the socio-psychological and economic problems faced by the parents of autistic children. Methodology: This qualitative study conducted in three selected districts of Punjab. The data were collected from special education school from Lahore, Faisalabad, and Sargodha by using purposive sampling technique. The 12 parents of autistic children were interviewed in detail. Data was analyzed through thematic analysis. Results: Autism was the ever-lasting disorder. Parents faced many challenges. They had more stress, feeling of guilt, anxiety, depression and grief due to having autistic children. They also had low marital satisfaction and avoided to attend social gatherings because people sneered and considered them inferior due to having autistic children. Conclusion: Parents of autistic children always remained worry about their child’s future. The autistic children were fully dependent on parents but mothers were the responsible to care at home. Social, economic and education support should be given by the government to parents of autistic children to uplift the social status of autistic children.