Parenting Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Eswatini: An Assessment of the Challenges and Possible Intervention Strategies

This study examined the experiences of parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Eswatini. ASD is a complex neurological condition that affects brain function, leading to difficulties in various developmental areas such as social interaction, communication, and behaviour. It usually becomes apparent within the first three years of a child’s life. This qualitative study, grounded in bioecological systems theory, aimed at uncovering the challenges faced by 20 parents of children with ASD in Eswatini, as well as the strategies they employ to manage their children’s unique behaviours and the effective parenting approaches they use to care for them. Through in-depth, semi-structured interviews, this study sheds light on the experiences of these parents, using interpretative phenomenological analysis to identify emerging themes and patterns. The findings obtained revealed various challenges, including lack of financial support, lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis and difficult access to support services, among others. The study recommended strategies that can support parents living with autistic children, including various forms of therapy, teaching self-regulation, giving love, joining support groups, learning more about the condition and acquiring skills to manage the condition. The findings could offer valuable information to policymakers and support services, helping to develop future welfare plans, educational resources, and social support systems for vulnerable families in Eswatini and potentially other developing countries. Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Parenting, Intervention Strategies, Eswatini