PSYCHOLOGICAL STRUGGLES OF PARENTS RAISING CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

The birth of a child often necessitates social, financial, and psychological adjustments within a family. While families typically prepare for these changes, little can fully equip parents for the demands of raising a child with a disability. Children diagnosed with disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), introduce unique challenges that can significantly impact the mental health and well-being of parents and caregivers. This study explores the mental health struggles experienced by parents of children diagnosed with ASD, highlighting the emotional, psychological, and social burdens associated with caregiving. Parents of children with ASD face elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depression compared to parents of neurotypical children. The severity of these mental health challenges often correlates with the intensity of the child’s symptoms and the level of care required. Families must navigate complex care routines, educational needs, behavioral interventions, and social stigma, all of which contribute to heightened psychological strain. Additionally, these challenges can affect family dynamics, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding the mental health experiences of parents raising children with ASD is crucial for developing effective support systems, interventions, and policies aimed at alleviating caregiver stress. This study emphasizes the need for counseling services, peer support networks, and community resources to enhance parental coping mechanisms and mental well-being. By acknowledging the psychological impact on caregivers, stakeholders can better design holistic strategies that promote both child development and family health. This research underscores that the well-being of parents is closely tied to the quality of care their children receive. Supporting parents’ mental health is not only a matter of caregiver welfare but also a critical factor in optimizing developmental outcomes for children with ASD.