The creator did not give me more than I can handle: Exploring coping in parents of Black autistic children

Abstract

There is a paucity of studies that center on the lived experiences of Black families raising autistic children, and major gaps remain in our understanding of how parents of Black autistic children cope with stressors. Drawing from the Black family stress and coping model, this mixed-methods study explored coping strategies utilized by parents of Black autistic children. Twenty-two parents completed the Ways of Coping Questionnaire and participated in semi-structured interviews. Using grounded theory methods, we conducted data collection and analyses simultaneously until we did not identify new themes. Our quantitative and qualitative results were generally aligned. We found that parents used an array of coping strategies, at times combining different methods, to address complex stressors. Parents also expressed the need for more social support from providers, as well as a desire for inclusive spaces where they could engage with other parents whom they felt could better relate to the stressors they encountered. Study findings also suggest that kinship support, church involvement, and collective socialization are key protective factors in Black communities. Therefore, understanding the role culture plays in the use and effectiveness of coping strategies is essential to improving healthcare and other systems of care.

Lay abstract

Parents of Black autistic children use several strategies to cope with daily stressors. These strategies include seeking social support, self-care, and optimism. We asked parents about their experiences receiving treatment services for their autistic child and how they reduce parenting stress. Twenty-two parents completed a coping survey and participated in individual interviews. Few studies have explored the experiences of Black families raising autistic children, and it’s important for healthcare and other systems of care to understand the role culture, race, and ethnicity play in the use of coping strategies. In our study, the majority of parents relied on social support to relieve stress and identified partners, family, and community members, as their most useful sources of support. Connecting with other parents of autistic children, through support groups and social media, also helped parents relieve stress. Parents discussed using self-care activities (e.g. church, exercising, listening to music) to cope with stressors. Several parents described how prayer and meditation helped them reframe stressful situations and gain more patience and appreciation for “what’s important.” The findings of this work demonstrate the need for professionals to have ongoing and deeper conversations about the ways in which parents deal with stressors. In particular, clinicians should leverage the strengths of Black families and promote strategies that are culturally informed and engaged.