Publications

The burden on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is escalating globally, particularlyin middle and low-income countries, where access to resources and support is limited. This study aimed toinvestigate the levels of stress, stigma, and coping strategies among parents of children with ASD in KawempeDivision, Kampala, Uganda. Through a sample of 28 parents drawn from Katalemwa Cheshire Home, data wascollected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealedvery high levels of stress and stigma among parents, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.71 (SD = 0.79) for stressand 3.57 (SD = 0.55) for stigma. These stressors encompassed various domains, including financial difficulties,marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination. Parents reported experiencingfeelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack ofsupport systems. Notably, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previousestimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Furthermore, the copingmechanisms employed by parents were found to be inadequate, with a grand mean of 1.78 (SD = 0.77) for copingstrategies. Positive coping strategies, such as seeking new job opportunities for their children, were limited, whilenegative coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and rudeness, were more prevalent. These findingsunderscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to equip parents with effective coping strategies and stressmanagement techniques. The study highlights the challenges faced by parents raising children with ASD in lowresourcesettings, shedding light on the psychological, social, and economic burdens they endure. Addressing thesechallenges requires comprehensive support systems, including training programs, workshops, and access toresources aimed at empowering parents and enhancing their well-being. By understanding and addressing thespecific stressors and coping mechanisms within this population, interventions can be developed to alleviate theburdens faced by parents, ultimately improving their quality of life and promoting the holistic development ofchildren with ASD.