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UM E-Theses Collection (澳門大學電子學位論文庫)

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Title

Autism is not self-enclosing : families living with autism in Macau

English Abstract

The present study aimed at gaining an in-depth understanding about the family dynamics of families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Macao. The central question of this study was: What are the dynamics of and challenges experienced by the family with a family member diagnosed with ASD? Target participants were six families in Macao living with at least one child diagnosed with ASD and selected through purposive convenient sampling. The Collage Life Story Elicitation Technique (CLET) was applied to collect data form participating families. The findings revealed stories of “self-enclosure” and “loneliness” in the society. Family members overly focused on the needs of the ASD affected individual while diminishing the personal needs of other family members. The families were also resistant to seeking social support from other systems due to the shame brought by stigmatisation. In-depth understandings about the dynamics and challenges faced by families living with ASD are discussed to assist professionals, specifically clinical psychologists working with similar families, developing relevant interventions.

Issue date

2014.

Author

Simoes, Antonio A.

Faculty

Faculty of Social Sciences

Department

Department of Psychology

Degree

M.Soc.Sc.

Subject

Autistic children -- Family relationships

Autism in children -- Macau

Supervisor

Schalkwyk, Gertina J. van

Files In This Item

Full-text (Intranet only)

Location
1/F Zone C
Library URL
991008368689706306