Husband’s Social Support for Mother of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of the research is to find husband’s social support for mother of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The problem of this study is how the forms of husband’s social support are perceived by mothers of children with ASD, and what are the factors and impacts for mothers perceived about husband’s social support. Method: The research was conducted on family having children with autism aged 5–14 years, employing a qualitative method by interviewing 10 mother participants. Data were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Results: The analysis resulted in five themes. First, the impact of disability of children with ASD on marriage relationship; second, the role of husband in parenting children with ASD; third, the perception of mother for husband’s social support; fourth, some factors influences to husband social supports; and fifth, the effects of husband’s social support for mother, children with ASD, and family. The discussion and limitations of this study are considered. Applications/Originality/Value: The results of this study are expected to be a reference for scientists, especially in the field of psychology of children with special needs, and can also contribute to the application of science to institutions related to ASD and observers of children with ASD.