Social Support and Coping Mechanism to Deal with Autistic Children: A study in Rawalpindi

Abstract

This study critically examined the multifaceted relationship between social support systems and coping mechanisms employed by families raising children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) within the socio-cultural context of Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Framed within the theoretical lens of James House’s Social Support Theory and Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Model, the research sought to illuminate the different types of support, i.e., emotional, informational, instrumental, and companionship support, and the intersection with familial resilience and caregiving practices. Given the stigmatization of neurodevelopmental disorders and the limited accessibility of therapeutic infrastructure in Pakistan, this study addressed a significant gap in localized knowledge, aiming to articulate the lived realities of families managing autism related challenges in an under-researched urban setting. A qualitative research design was employed to elicit in-depth narratives from a purposively selected sample of 20 participants, including parents, educators, and therapists affiliated with the Eruditional Special Wings Therapy Center in Bahria Phase 3, Rawalpindi. Data collection methods included semi-structured interviews, participant observations, key informant dialogues, and reflective field notes. The study’s methodological rigor was maintained through ethical considerations, including informed consent, confidentiality protocols, and cultural sensitivity, ensuring the authenticity and reliability of participant testimonies. The findings revealed a profound emotional burden borne primarily by mothers, mitigated in some cases by spousal and sibling support, but exacerbated in joint family systems through blame and spiritual misattributions. Informational deficits emerged as a critical barrier, with parents frequently turning to non-professional sources due to inadequacies in institutional communication. Financial constraints and infrastructural disparities further hindered access to consistent therapy and specialized education. Despite these systemic gaps, families demonstrated remarkable psychological resilience through adaptive strategies such as religious coping, peer support, and problem-focused reframing. This study concluded that while informal support networks played a vital role, sustainable well-being for ASD families necessitates urgent policy intervention, increased public awareness, and the expansion of inclusive healthcare and educational frameworks tailored to Pakistan’s socio-cultural realities.