Investigating the Facebook posts of parents with children/young adults with autistic spectrum disorder

This study aimed to analyse, (taking a collaborative and participatory approach which has involved the parents in the design and analysis phases of the study) the private Facebook (FB) / social media conversations of a group of parents who regularly use a closed FB site to discuss the issues in their lives, their frustrations and the dangers they face in caring for their children day to day. •To identify the common themes and constructs of the parents’ discourse. •To highlight the challenges, they face •To co-construct a set of outcomes for action Methods: This phenomenological empirical study looks at the challenging side of parenting for parents who care for their children with autistic spectrum Disorder (ASD). The analysis of the data involved a participatory approach involving key members of the parent community at various stages. Results : For many of the parents in this study day to day life involves them dealing with their child’s behaviour alone and without support. Many of the behaviours exhibited by children with autism can be destructive and violent often aiming towards the mum or dad and often with some physical harm caused. Conclusion: This awareness raising gives new insights into the lived experience of parents of children with Autism