Caring for an individual with autism disorder: A qualitative analysis

Background Caregivers in this qualitative study reported the multidimensional implications of having a child with autism on their family's lives and overall functioning. Method The Effects of the Situation Questionnaire (Yatchmenoff, Koren, Friesen, Gordon, & Kinney, 1998) was used to gather qualitative data from 80 caregivers. Colaizzi's (1978) phenomenological data analysis method was used to analyse the caregivers' written narratives. Biopsychosocial-spiritual, systemic, and ecological theoretical lenses were used to conceptualise the recorded experiences. Results Seven thematic content areas emerged from the caregivers' data. They include: psychological implications, familial implications, social implications, services, spiritual benefits, economic challenges, and focus on the future of having a child diagnosed with autism. Conclusions The results of this study offer valuable insight into how helping professionals may attend to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of those caring for an individual with autism.