Experiences of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder going through different stages of puberty: A Qualitative exploratory study.

Title

Experiences of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder going through different stages of puberty: A Qualitative exploratory study.

Aim

To explore challenges faced by parents of children with ASD during their child’s puberty.

Objectives

1. To find out Parent’s level of understanding of their child’s puberty.

2. To understand the challenges faced by the parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during their child’s puberty.

3. To explore the ways parents are coping with challenges during puberty of their son or daughter with ASD.

4. To identify parents expectations from healthcare professionals regarding puberty related issue.

Study design

It is an exploratory qualitative study.

Sampling technique

Purposive sampling.

Study setting

Data will be collected from parents of ASD children coming to Tertiary care hospital.

Inclusion criteria

Parents/caregivers of children with ASD between the age of 8 to 14 years and those who are willing to participate.

Exclusion criteria

Parents of children with ASD with co-morbidity like ADHD, epilepsy or any other medical condition.

Methodology

Ethics approval.

Sample size will be determined by the principle of data saturation. (Saturation of responses) As this is a qualitative study, the sample size needed to reach saturation will be the point at which similar comments would be heard over and over again for a particular question and when no new data is generated with respect to the topic.As per review of literature most of the qualitative studies have sample size up to 12, ,we shall evaluate not less than 15 participants or the number at which saturation is reached whichever is more.

Written Consent would be taken from the participants (i.e. parents/primary caregivers) for participation in the study & for audio recordings of the interview.

Conduction of the one-on-one semi structured interview would be conducted in a disturbance free environment. A pre validated questionnaire would be used for the interview.

All of the interviews will be audio recorded.

Once the interview is done, if parents required any help or counseling from the healthcare services then they will be referred to an appropriate healthcare professionals.

Verbatim data transcription.

Analysis using thematic analysis technique.