PROBLEMS OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Abstract

This article discusses the problems that families of children with autism constantly face and suggests ways to overcome them.The author examines the connection between the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and the peculiarities of parents' grief stages.The current problems faced by parents of children with autism include: a complete lack of information in society about autism spectrum disorders and their manifestations, the development and behaviour of children with autism at home and in the community; and the lack of specialised public education institutions for children with autism spectrum disorders; a shortage of medical and correctional specialists; negative and harsh remarks by close relatives, especially those around them who do not have information, about the behaviour of a child with autism; parents' lack of information about the child's developmental characteristics and real capabilities, which leads to constant fear and prolonged stress; lack of psychological assistance to parents of children with autism spectrum disorders in inclusive resource and correctional and developmental centres; parents' need for rest due to the lack of assistance in caring for a child with autism; fear for the child's future; financial difficulties of the family related to the treatment, nutrition, correction and development of a child with autism spectrum disorder.Analysing foreign and domestic research, the author finds that until recently, insufficient attention was paid to psychological support for parents, and assistance was provided only in relation to the child's educational and learning process; the connection between the psychological health of parents and the quality of the child's upbringing was hardly paid attention to; it is noted that not only mothers suffer from the child's illness, but also fathers experience family and social isolation. The author substantiates the need to provide psychological assistance to parents of children with autism spectrum disorders both in the inclusive education system and outside it.