iz

Having a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a challenge to many parents. Thus, this study explored the narratives of experience of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. Difficulties and challenges the participants have encountered as parents of children with ASD and the strategies and techniques they have employed in handling and raising their children were also answered. Qualitative study, specifically phenomenological approach, was used in this study. Participants of the study were the five parents of children with ASD selected purposively. Personal information of the respondents was kept confidential and ethical standards were observed. Different themes emerged from the data generated through interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. Although all of the children had a confirmed diagnosis of ASD, different developmental difficulties existed. Among the major challenges met by the parents were child’s noncompliance and short attention span. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder have difficulty in school and in doing schoolwork. Insights of the participants revealed that continual stress, the need for constant supervision and worry about their children’s future were experienced by the participants. Reward system is the most useful technique they have used in dealing with children with ASD.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Experience, Challenges, Parents, Phenomenological Approach.