The effects of ASD in the family and the role of counseling in its empowerment

Purpose of this study is to analyse the effects of ASD on all family members and to focus on the benefits of counseling in the family. A qualitative research was carried out. Twenty parents of children with ASD participated in the study and the tool used to conduct the research was the semi-structured interview. Results obtained were analyzed using the method of thematic analysis. Analysis of the results highlighted the negative impact of ASD on the family due to the care required to raise a child with ASD. These impacts are economic, individual, family and social. Also, data obtained highlighted the important role of counseling that had helped the majority of families to found their balance and managed to cope with their anxieties and insecurities.

本研究旨在分析孤独症谱系障碍（ASD）对所有家庭成员的影响，并聚焦家庭咨询的益处。本研究采用质性研究方法，招募了二十名孤独症谱系障碍儿童的家长作为研究对象，研究工具为半结构化访谈。研究所得数据采用主题分析法进行分析。结果分析显示，由于照料孤独症谱系障碍儿童所需的繁重照护工作，孤独症谱系障碍对家庭产生了多维度负面影响，涵盖经济层面、个人层面、家庭层面与社会层面。同时，研究数据亦凸显了咨询的重要作用：多数家庭借助咨询重获生活平衡，并成功应对了自身的焦虑与不安情绪。