Parents' experience with the management of sleep disorders in children with autism: A qualitative study.

PURPOSE: Sleep disorders are a common co-occurring problem in children with autism, and parents are the main implementers in the process of their management. However, there is a paucity of research on parents' experiences of managing sleep disorders in children with autism, especially in Asian countries. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of managing sleep disorders in children with autism in China from a parental perspective.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

We used a descriptive qualitative research method to conduct semi-structured interviews with 14 parents of children with both autism and sleep disorders. Data were analysed according to the Colaizzi descriptive analysis framework.

RESULTS

Data analysis identified three macrothemes and eight subthemes: (1) sleep management dilemmas: lack of knowledge and skills in sleep disorder management, health professionals do not pay attention to sleep problems; (2) physical and psychological burdens: physical exhaustion, guilt, anxiety, helplessness; (3) different coping styles: positive coping, negative coping.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents encounter challenges in the management of sleep disorders in their children with autism and respond in different ways. Healthcare professionals should enhance their own professional training and take appropriate improvement measures in order to provide help and support to parents.