“At a moment, you could collapse”: Raising children with autism in the West Bank

• We interviewed 24 Palestinian parents of children with autism spectrum disorders.
• Significant financial, psychological and child behavioral challenges were reported.
• Autism-related discrimination and social stigma caused parents isolation and shame.
• Parents used various positive coping methods, such as increased information access.
• Social withdrawal and denial of autism diagnosis were commonly reported.

The current qualitative study examined knowledge, attitudes, burdens and coping strategies related to caring for a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the West Bank. Based on a sample of 24 Palestinian parents, the study found that parents struggled with financial stressors, child behavioral and medical challenges, and depression. Few parents were aware of ASDs prior to their children's diagnoses. Furthermore, discrimination and stigma from extended family members and the larger community intensified parents' feelings of shame and experiences of social isolation. While some parents coped by withdrawing from the community or denying the diagnosis, others aimed to increase social interactions and access information. Religious coping was found to be partly adaptive for some of the participants. The study underscored the vital need to increase community awareness of ASDs and increase social support for parents in the West Bank.