Abstract:
The objective of the research was to investigate coping, stress and life
satisfaction of primary caregivers of children living with autism spectrum
disorders in Cape Coast Metropolis. The study was a qualitative
phenomenological research study. The accessible population included all
parents reporting to the Centre for Child Development Referral and Research
(CCDR), University of Cape Coast and Aboom Special School, Cape Coast. A
total of 12 participants (parents and caregivers) living with children with autism
were purposively selected for the study. During the data gathering process, an
interview guide that was self-designed was utilised. Semi-structured interviews
were used in gathering data from participants. Responses were recorded,
transcribed and analysed. Each research question was analysed using themes
and categories from the data collected. Results on the parental stress revealed
that participants were unable to control the important things in their lives and
they were unable to control irritations in their life. Coping mechanisms
participants often engaged in included looking for religious coping, reliance on
family and personal strategies such as accepting their situation. It could be
observed that although participants were stressed, they were satisfied with
where they are in life right now. They are content with their lives and would not
change many things. The study recommended that primary caregivers of
children with autism should receive training on some strategies to manage their
stress. Also, receiving assistance from government, NGOs and other wellmeaning
individuals could help reduce their stress levels.
