Specifics of Parent-Child Relationships in Families Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Family is the first social institution where the education and upbringing of the person takes place. It acts as an important factor in influencing the child, determines the dynamics of the child's development and contributes to successful social adaptation and integration in society. The birth of a child with disabilities in the family may create the crisis situation when all family members go through certain stages, from the growth of tension to the mobilization of external and internal resources. This empirical research showed that parents raising children with mild ASD have positive attitudes towards the child and the desire to be with the child on an equal footing against the background of excessive care and control. Children in such families tend to lack independence. This type of upbringing, called "dominant hyperprotection" leads to the formation of the fear of losing the child. This unstable style of upbringing makes it difficult for the child to integrate and adapt in the society. Another group of parents raising children with atypical autism or ASD and associated organic disorders is characterized by a violation of the upbringing process in the form of "conniving hyperprotection". The study outlines recommendations for families raising children with ASD, aimed at harmonizing parent-child relationships, overcoming negative attitudes, successful integration and adaptation of children in the society.