The Role of the Parents in Assisting Children with Autism

Abstract

The study aims to identify the role of the parents in assisting children with autism (3-6 years old). The qualitative method was
used in the study. Semi-structured interview with open-ended questions was the instrument for data collection. Data collections were
made possible by interviewing of 11parents of children with ASD, who were outpatients and inpatients at National Centre for Growth,
Development and Rehabilitation in Tirana, Albania. Through data analyses it came out that the assistance of parents towards children
with autism consisted of the following: (i) every day services of personal care such as eating, washing, dressing, personal security, etc;
(ii) socializing of the child in out of home environment as well as encouragement to participate in games and other activities with his/her
peers; (iii) accompaniment of children in receiving services provided for them and implementation at home of specific tasks asked by the
professionals; (iv) mothers are the ones bearing more responsibilties due to the fact that fathers are the main bread winners at home. In
conclusion, it can be said that parents of the children with autism with their assistance have a very important role in facilitating and
provision of important development and educational possibilities for these children.