Raising Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Hong Kong: The Impact of Cultural Values and Stigma on Chinese Parents’ Coping Strategies

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long disability. The long term care of children with ASD has effects on families that teachers and support service providers strive to quantify. Observing „filial piety‟ towards one‟s parents is a traditional Chinese virtue and moral standard. Yet despite the acknowledged importance of the family, relatively little is known about the functioning of Chinese families with children with ASD in Hong Kong (HK).Data was gathered from 100 parents of children with ASD to understand how traditional Chinese beliefs, community values, and the day to day experience of raising a child with ASD in HK, influences the coping strategies that parents employ. It is hoped that the results of this study will raise awareness for theneed of further public awareness, educational and support services for families who are currently trying to adjust their parenting skills to cater for a family member with ASD.

Keywords: Autism spectrum disorders, Chinese parents, Coping strategies, Cultural values.