Understanding the Dynamics of Family Harmony With ASD Children: A Grounded Theory Approach

This research aims to build a substantive theory about the dynamics of family harmony in families with children with ASD. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with 23 participants (9 families) and analysed using the constant comparison method. The results showed that the dynamics of family harmony went through five phases: crisis, ambivalence, evaluation, adaptation, and harmony. Factors that support harmony include the condition of the child with ASD, the effectiveness of therapy, social support, flexible personality, adaptability, and confidence in parenting a child with ASD. The study also found a change in meaning in several aspects compared to the strong family theory, such as commitment, social support, acceptance of the child’s condition, spirituality, communication patterns, role-sharing and cooperation, and emotional closeness. Theoretically, this study updates and complements the theory of family harmony.