Navigating through the care of children with autism spectrum disorder: parents’ lived experiences in a Ghanaian Regional Hospital

Background Autism spectrum disorder is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder marked by difficulties in social interaction, communication impairments and repetitive behaviours. Depending on the degree of the illness and each person’s particular strengths and problems, autism can have a variety of effects on both individuals and families. Caring for a child with autism is complex and demanding, placing considerable emotional and social burdens on parents. Aim This study explored the lived experiences of parents caring for children living with autism spectrum disorder at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Method An explorative qualitative research approach was employed in this study. A purposive sampling technique was used to interview 10 parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. Data were collected with an interview guide and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results The findings of this study underscore the profound emotional, social, psychological and financial challenges faced by parents caring for children with autism. Many participants reported experiences of stigma, spiritual accusations and marital difficulties associated with caregiving. Despite these adversities, parents demonstrated resilience by adopting various coping strategies, including behavioural and lifestyle adaptations, reliance on faith and spiritual support and importantly, consciously disregarding negative societal attitudes. Conclusion These findings highlight the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated support systems, including psychological counselling, marital therapy and rehabilitation support services, to assist parents in navigating the complex challenges of caring for children with autism spectrum disorder. Implementing such interventions has the potential to reduce parental burden, mitigate stigma and enhance the overall well-being of both children with autism and their caregivers.