BACKGROUND: The experiences of older parents of adults with Asperger syndrome have not been explored in the research literature. METHOD: Four families who had middle-aged offspring with Asperger syndrome were interviewed (3 mothers and 1 couple), and the interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) providers of "hidden" support, (b) role of advocate, (c) social isolation, (d) intrafamilial relationships, (e) support for parents, and (f) future concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study offer insight into the experience of parents of adult sons with Asperger syndrome. Implications for future support interventions and research are suggested.
BACKGROUND: The experiences of older parents of adults with Asperger syndrome have not been explored in the research literature. METHOD: Four families who had middle-aged offspring with Asperger syndrome were interviewed (3 mothers and 1 couple), and the interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) providers of "hidden" support, (b) role of advocate, (c) social isolation, (d) intrafamilial relationships, (e) support for parents, and (f) future concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study offer insight into the experience of parents of adult sons with Asperger syndrome. Implications for future support interventions and research are suggested.
Authors: María Inmaculada Fernández-Ávalos; María Nieves Pérez-Marfil; Rosario Ferrer-Cascales; Francisco Cruz-Quintana; Violeta Clement-Carbonell; Manuel Fernández-Alcántara Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-11-23 Impact factor: 3.390