Healthcare professionals’ perspectives on the challenges faced by parents of children with autism and recommendations to address them: a qualitative study in Hong Kong

OBJECTIVE: To explore healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspectives on the challenges and needs of parents caring for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DESIGN: In-depth individual and group interviews were conducted with 16 HCPs with over 10 years' experience working closely with children with autism and their families. HCPs interviewed provided tertiary specialist clinical services for ASD across a range of roles, including child psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, a social worker, an occupational therapist and a hospital-based teacher. Data was coded inductively and analysed using reflective thematic analysis. SETTING: A university-affiliated tertiary hospital in Hong Kong. RESULTS: Three themes were generated: (1) emotional strain and its negative impact on parenting practices, (2) misunderstanding about ASD and its management and (3) acknowledgement and acceptance of the ASD diagnosis. HCPs observed that challenges faced by parents and caregivers of children with ASD were often shaped by misinformation and misinterpretation of child behaviours and needs, as well as unrealistic expectations based on stereotypes and norms. HCPs provided recommendations for parents and caregivers, highlighting the need to strengthen relational skills to connect with their children, take their child's perspective and show appreciation and affection for their child's strengths. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study highlighted the need for psychoeducation and identified the potential target and timing for intervention to better support parents and caregivers of children with ASD in overcoming challenges and building stronger relationships with their children. This has important practical implications for mitigating bidirectional mutual perpetuation of parental stress and child behavioural and emotional problems.