Peer-reviewed article
Healthcare professionals' perspectives on the challenges faced by parents of children with autism and recommendations to address them: a qualitative study in Hong Kong.
Ma KK, Burn AM, Wong OW, Choi O, Chan SS ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001Healthcare professionals in Hong Kong were interviewed about the challenges faced by parents raising children with autism. They identified three main problem areas: emotional strain affecting parenting, parental misunderstanding about autism and its management, and difficulty accepting the diagnosis. Professionals noted that misinformation and unrealistic expectations often worsen parent stress. They recommended that parents develop better relational skills with their children and learn to appreciate their children's strengths.
Key points
- HCPs observed that parental challenges are often shaped by misinformation and misinterpretation of child behaviours
- Emotional strain negatively impacts parenting practices for parents of children with ASD
- Stereotypes and unrealistic expectations based on social norms contribute to parental difficulties
- Psychoeducation and targeted intervention at appropriate timing are needed to support parents
- Strengthening relational skills and helping parents understand their child's perspective can build stronger relationships
Limitations
This study captures only the perspectives of healthcare professionals, not direct experiences or outcomes for parents or children with autism. The findings are based on qualitative interviews in one Hong Kong tertiary hospital and may not generalise to other settings or cultural contexts.
Abstract
Objective To explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspectives on the challenges and needs of parents caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Design In-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with 16 HCPs with over 10 years' experience working closely with children with autism and their families. HCPs interviewed provided tertiary specialist clinical services for ASD across a range of roles, including child psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, a social worker, an occupational therapist and a hospital-based teacher. Data was coded inductively and analysed using reflective thematic analysis. Setting A university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. Results Three themes were generated: (1) emotional strain and its negative impact on parenting practices, (2) misunderstanding about ASD and its management and (3) acknowledgement and acceptance of the ASD diagnosis. HCPs observed that challenges faced by parents and caregivers of children with ASD were often shaped by misinformation and misinterpretation of child behaviours and needs, as well as unrealistic expectations based on stereotypes and norms. HCPs provided recommendations for parents and caregivers, highlighting the need to strengthen relational skills to connect with their children, take their child's perspective and show appreciation and affection for their child's strengths. Conclusions Findings from this study highlighted the need for psychoeducation and identified the potential target and timing for intervention to better support parents and caregivers of children with ASD in overcoming challenges and building stronger relationships with their children. This has important practical implications for mitigating bidirectional mutual perpetuation of parental stress and child behavioural and emotional problems.