Navigating the Psychosocial Challenges and Coping Mechanisms of Parents Raising Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Bangladesh

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent difficulties in interpersonal interaction and socialization across many contexts, accompanied by restricted and recurrent patterns of behaviors, interests, or activities. This narrative review explores the psychosocial challenges faced by parents of children with ASD in Bangladesh and the coping strategies they use to manage these challenges. A comprehensive search of PubMed, PsycINFO, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases was conducted, yielding 75 relevant studies. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist to guide us as we extracted and tallied the data. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected for analysis. Findings reveal that Bangladeshi parents experience significant social stigmatization, exclusion, religious misconceptions, and negligence in healthcare settings. Many parents report being marginalized within their families and communities, leading to high levels of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. Mothers, in particular, are more vulnerable to these challenges, reporting severe levels of stress and depression due to societal pressures. Parents also struggle with a lack of adequate support services and professional guidance, especially in rural areas. Despite these difficulties, parents employ various coping strategies, such as building peer support networks, improving their knowledge of ASD, practicing religious spirituality, and using problem-focused approaches. The study underscores the need for improved mental health services, public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, and policy initiatives to provide better support to parents of children with ASD. These measures are essential to alleviate the psychological and social burdens faced by families, particularly parents, in Bangladesh.