DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED AT HOME BY PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Introduction: The parents experience difficulties  children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Objective: The study of the subjective experience and difficulties experienced at home by parents of preschool children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Μethod and Μaterial: Qualitative research with a sample of 6 parents, all residing in the wider Athens area. Data collected with unstructured interviews that took place from September to December 2019. Data analysis was based on the Grounded Theory methodology. Results: The analysis of data revealed the following four thematic units: a) Lack/insufficiency of services, b) Need for at-home support, c) Everyday problems, d) Consequences/difficulties. Conclusions: There is a need for a national plan of support for families raising children with ASD, revision of therapeutic protocols, but also more effective sensitization of the whole of society.