Parents’ Experiences of Occupational Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Parents play a central role in shaping occupational therapy (OT) outcomes for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet their lived experiences and expectations remain underexplored. This study investigated how parents perceive, interpret, and navigate OT interventions for their children at WQ Park Health and Rehabilitation Centre. Understanding these perspectives is essential for family-centered practices, as parents’ insights provide guidance on whether therapy goals and outcomes align with their hopes, expectations, and daily realities. This qualitative study employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to explore parental experiences of OT. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten parents of children with mild ASD receiving OT at WQ Park, recruited through purposive sampling to ensure relevant experiences. Each interview lasted approximately 45 minutes, and data collection continued until saturation was achieved. Transcripts were analyzed thematically, and trustworthiness was enhanced through member checking and investigator triangulation, ensuring a rigorous and credible interpretation of participants’ lived experiences. Three key themes emerged from the analysis. First, “Navigating Hopes and Realities in Therapy Journeys” captured how parents balanced aspirations for their child’s independence and well-being with the actual challenges and progress encountered during therapy, reflecting early uncertainty and limited knowledge about ASD and its management. Second, “Building Trust and Collaboration in Parent–Therapist Relationships” highlighted the critical role of communication, transparency, and shared decision-making in fostering engagement. Parents described how consistent guidance and support from therapists increased their understanding, confidence, and active participation in their child’s rehabilitation process. Third, “Systemic and Logistical Barriers to Access and Continuity of Care” reflected challenges such as waiting lists, financial constraints, and navigating school systems. Affordability and accessibility of therapy services emerged as particularly important factors influencing parental decisions and sustained engagement in OT. Although limited by a small sample size and recruitment from a single centre, the study demonstrates that parents’ experiences are shaped not only by personal hopes and systemic challenges but also by the supportive rehabilitation environment. WQ Park’s structured system, affordability, and therapist guidance enabled parents to gain practical knowledge, increase awareness of their child’s condition, and feel empowered to support therapy at home. These findings underscore the importance of family-centered, collaborative, and contextually responsive OT practices that extend beyond child outcomes to include parental education, empowerment, and overall satisfaction with the rehabilitation process.