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The Experiences of Ageing Parents of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

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Abstract

Global improvements in health care have resulted in improved longevity for the general population, including persons with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Increasingly, many parents are living with and providing care for their young adults with ASD. Little, however, is known about the experiences of ageing parents of young adults with ASD, particularly in developing countries like Ghana. This study explored the unique experiences of nine ageing parents and their young adults with ASD using semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using the thematic analysis approach. Findings from the analysis of their responses revealed five themes: psychological exhaustion, future uncertainties, planning for the future, isolation and stigmatization and social support. Findings of this study serve to extend the developmental perspective of caring for caregivers and adult persons with ASD, with implications for designing interventions for such population in developing regions.

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Acknowledgements

We are sincerely grateful to the Teachers of New Horizon Special School, and families who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. General Studies Department, Faculty of Computing & Information Systems, Ghana Technology University College, Accra, Ghana

    Mabel Oti-Boadi

  2. Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana

    Kwaku Oppong Asante

  3. Discipline of Psychology, School of Applied Human Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa

    Kwaku Oppong Asante

  4. Department of Psychology, Murray State University, Murray, KY, USA

    Esther Kweiki Malm

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  1. Mabel Oti-Boadi
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Correspondence to Mabel Oti-Boadi.

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The authors received ethical clearance (IRB 00001276) from the Noguchi Memorial Institute at the University of Ghana, Lego, Accra.

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Oti-Boadi, M., Oppong Asante, K. & Malm, E.K. The Experiences of Ageing Parents of Young Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). J Adult Dev 27, 58–69 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10804-018-09325-6

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