Qualitative study uncovers persistent caregiving burdens, isolation, and future uncertainty in older parents of adults with Asperger syndrome, highlighting the need for targeted family support.
BACKGROUND: The experiences of older parents of adults with Asperger syndrome have not been explored in the research literature. METHOD: Four families who had middle-aged offspring with Asperger syndrome were interviewed (3 mothers and 1 couple), and the interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). RESULTS: Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) providers of "hidden" support, (b) role of advocate, (c) social isolation, (d) intrafamilial relationships, (e) support for parents, and (f) future concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study offer insight into the experience of parents of adult sons with Asperger syndrome. Implications for future support interventions and research are suggested.
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Griffith et al. (2012) studied this question.
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