Abstract

The burden on parents raising children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is escalating globally, particularly
in middle and low-income countries, where access to resources and support is limited. This study aimed to
investigate the levels of stress, stigma, and coping strategies among parents of children with ASD in Kawempe
Division, Kampala, Uganda. Through a sample of 28 parents drawn from Katalemwa Cheshire Home, data was
collected using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed
very high levels of stress and stigma among parents, as evidenced by a grand mean of 3.71 (SD = 0.79) for stress
and 3.57 (SD = 0.55) for stigma. These stressors encompassed various domains, including financial difficulties,
marital conflicts, and psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination. Parents reported experiencing
feelings of shame, embarrassment, and hopelessness, exacerbated by societal misconceptions and the lack of
support systems. Notably, the prevalence of anxiety symptoms among parents (45.9%) surpassed previous
estimates, indicating a significant mental health burden within this population. Furthermore, the coping
mechanisms employed by parents were found to be inadequate, with a grand mean of 1.78 (SD = 0.77) for coping
strategies. Positive coping strategies, such as seeking new job opportunities for their children, were limited, while
negative coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and rudeness, were more prevalent. These findings
underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to equip parents with effective coping strategies and stress
management techniques. The study highlights the challenges faced by parents raising children with ASD in lowresource
settings, shedding light on the psychological, social, and economic burdens they endure. Addressing these
challenges requires comprehensive support systems, including training programs, workshops, and access to
resources aimed at empowering parents and enhancing their well-being. By understanding and addressing the
specific stressors and coping mechanisms within this population, interventions can be developed to alleviate the
burdens faced by parents, ultimately improving their quality of life and promoting the holistic development of
children with ASD.