Coping Strategies of Families with Children who Suffer from Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Abstract

The main purpose of the current research is to identify the coping strategies adopted by the parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders. The birth of a child with a disability, who strays from the ideal and does not correspond to the expectations of parents causes a shock, which triggers an ample and complex mourning process. Within families in the constellation of which there is a child with autism, a series of stressors and tensions manifest plenarily, difficulties arise, and that is why, for the stress and the diagnosis in itself to be managed as correctly as possible and to the benefit of the child, but also of the family, certain coping strategies are employed. The manner in which the parents choose to manage the stress, the manner in which they adopt and implement a certain coping strategy, the existing connection between coping strategies, and the stages of mourning are the main aspects that will be treated in the current research.