Lived Experiences of Parents Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Challenges and Barriers in Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by impairments in communication, social interaction and repetitive behavior. Despite growing global recognition of ASD, limited research has explored the lived experiences of parents raising children with ASD, particularly in low-resource settings.  This qualitative study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of parents of children with ASD in Gilgit-Baltistan. A total of nine parents participated in semi structured interviews. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s Phenomenological method to capture the depth and meaning of participants’ experiences. The findings revealed several interconnected themes, including caregiver burden, emotional distress, family impact, social stigma and processes of acceptance and adaptation. Parents reported significant psychological, social and familial challenges associated with raising a child with ASD. The study highlights the substantial caregiver burden and the influence of social stigma on parental well-being. These findings provide important insights into the lived experiences of parents in a low-resource context and underscore the need for culturally sensitive, family-centered interventions. The results have implications for mental health professionals, researchers and policymakers working to improve support systems for families of children with ASD.