Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Melanie Shores

Abstract

Autism is a disorder that is characterized by struggles with socialization anddevelopmental delays that often involve much guidance and support. The purpose of this study was to explain the experience of parents as they attempted to manage behaviors related to symptoms of autism during the worldwide quarantine prompted by COVID-19. This study aimed to close the gap in literature and explore to see if there were any concerns that could be addressed by future studies. The study was framed around Bowen’s theory, which addresses emotions within a family unit, and the interdependence theory, which addresses how humans thrive to be together and they are dependent on one another. These theories work together in this study to explain the overall emotional experience of the family unit through the eyes of the caregiver. The study was a qualitative study with a descriptive approach that utilized seven semistructured interviews to explain the individual experience. The data were then analyzed utilizing narrative analysis, using bracketing and clustering. Participants reported much intense emotion over watching their children struggle and experience meltdowns over things that were beyond the caregiver’s control. The parents also experienced this additional stress, and it was difficult for them to manage and maintain their own mental health. Findings also suggested that parents continue to want the best for their children, even if access to the appropriate resources is difficult. The study addressed positive social change by calling attention to the inability for parents of children with autism to secure adequate resources, which can result in additional research to increase supports for these families.

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