Seyed Jalal Younesi - Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Amirhossein Hosseinpour - Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Manoochehr Azkhosh - Department of Counseling, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Mohammad Hadi Safi - Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences, Ardakan University, Yazd, Iran.
Akbar Biglarian - Department of Statistics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that includes abnormal communication, repetitive and limiting interests, and social dysfunction. This study aimed to identify the experiences of parents in raising children with ADS in Iran. Methods: A total of ۱۸ parents of children with ASD were selected by purposive and convenient sampling method to participate in the study. To collect data, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted. The text of the interviews was analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Results: Two main themes of positive and negative experiences were identified in the analysis. In the positive experiences two sub-themes of “continuing education and acquiring spirituality” and “increasing life skills” and in the negative experiences five sub-themes of “reduction of communication and lack of social support,” “improper treatment with the child with ASD,” “feeling ashamed,” “lack of adaptability,” and “being judged by others” were identified.  Discussion: These findings can provide a deep understanding of the experiences of caring parents of children with ASD in Iran. In addition, the results of this study can provide valuable information to researchers, clinicians, etc. to indicate the specific needs of families who care for children with ASD.

Autism spectrum disorder, ASD, Parents, Child, Care