Mental Health of Jordanian Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder during COVID-19: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant psychological effects on parents, especially parents of children with autism spectrum disorders. This qualitative study explores the mental health of Jordanian parents of children with autism spectrum disorder during COVID-19. Through phone interviews with nine such parents, this study found that the pandemic was a great source of stress and anxiety for parents of autistic children in Jordan, which was exacerbated by a lack of formal support for them and their children. This study also found that parents relied on their religious beliefs, shared childcare responsibilities, and engaged in social and family activities to mitigate the psychological toll of raising children during the COVID-19 pandemic.