The Challenges Faced by the Parents of Autistic Children in Jordan

Abstract

The present study aimed to explore the challenges faced by the parents of autistic children in Jordan. The researcher adopted a descriptive analytical approach. He selected a purposive sample that consists from 8 mothers and 6 fathers who have autistic children. Those parents were selected from a private centre for autism in Amman, Jordan. They were contacted and interviewed via the phone. Their answers were analysed. It was found that the parents of autistic children in Jordan face financial, social, marital and psychological challenges. For instance, some respondents suggested that providing special education is costly. Some respondents suggested that it's difficult for them to engage in social events and make visits to their friends and relatives. Some respondents suffer from stress. Some respondents reported that their children were misdiagnosed. The researcher recommends conducting studies about the impact of having an autistic child on siblings in Jordan.