Socialization challenges and experiences of children with autism spectrum disorder: a qualitative study in Gopalganj district, Bangladesh

Socialization plays an important part in the developmental process of a child, impacting their communication, relationships, and overall functionality in society. At the same time, children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face major barriers in socialization because of their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, limited interests, and repetitive actions. The purpose of this research was to understand the socialization difficulties and experiences of children with ASD in Gopalganj, Bangladesh in relation to the other socio-cultural factors as well as the influence of family, school, and the community on their social development. A qualitative research design was used and data were gathered through a series of in-depth interviews using purposive sampling with 30 parents, seven teachers, and four healthcare and therapy professionals, as well as through participant observations of children with ASD. The results show that children with ASD in Gopalganj encounter negative stigma, ignorance, and the absence of adequate institutional aids that fuel their social isolation. In spite of such barriers, parental effort, supportive and responsive teaching, and community participation are found to be significant enablers of socialization. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted policy interventions, the expansion of special education and therapeutic services, and community-level awareness campaigns to combat stigma and foster inclusive environments. Ultimately, this study emphasizes that meaningful social integration of children with ASD is achievable through collaborative, informed, and compassionate efforts.