Date of Conferral
2021
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Dr. Dorothy Scotten
Abstract
The perspective of African American parents of an autistic child is vital to understanding the experiences and challenges of accessing autism support services for their child. The purpose of this qualitative, generic study was to explore the experiences that African American parents in Philadelphia County, PA had in accessing and maintaining autism services for their children. The behavioral health model and the resilience theory provided the conceptual framework for the study. Semistructured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 African American parents accessing autism support services in the Philadelphia County area. The data were analyzed using the six steps of thematic analysis: familiarize, code, generate, review, define and name, and report. The following four main themes emerged: challenges raising a child with autism, accessing autism support services, parental stress, and resilience. Research findings suggested that African American parents can access effective support through programs and services and emphasized the importance of family resilience and family connections as well as community support. Implications for positive social change include professionals understanding the experiences of the African American parent, such as increased autism supports, ASD awareness, advocates, education, and awareness of the stress factors related to everyday parenting.
Recommended Citation
Jones, Akisa S., "African American Parents’ Experience Accessing Support Services for Their Autistic Child" (2021). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 11087.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/11087
