PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Abstract

This article examines the specific aspects of providing psychological support to parents raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Today, many rehabilitation centres for children with autism have been established in Ukraine; however, it is equally important to provide psychological support to families raising a child with special needs. Accordingly, parents of a child with an autism spectrum disorder need to be aware of certain practical recommendations and be able to apply them in their daily lives. An analysis of statistical data shows that parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and special needs are under enormous pressure and are in urgent need of psychological support. In most cases, it is speech difficulties that are the key problem for children with ASD, as well as the main cause of concern for parents. Local authorities, educational and rehabilitation institutions, as well as psychologists and social workers, can alleviate the burden on the parents of such children by providing various forms of support. Consequently, specialists are faced with the task of providing practical recommendations and psychological and educational support to parents in applying a comprehensive psychological, medical and educational approach to organising their children’s interaction with their environment; specifically, this involves focusing on preparing them for interaction with society and helping the child achieve self-integration and self-fulfilment, taking their individuality into account. It is therefore important to consult with psychologists and special needs teachers who have experience of working with such children and can provide a detailed assessment of the child’s psychological development, as well as determine the forms and focus of remedial sessions for a child with an autism spectrum disorder.