A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY: LIVED EXPERIENCES OF BLACK PARENTS THROUGH THE AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER IDENTIFICATION PROCESS

This study is an informative, phenomenological inquiry, investigating the lived experiences of Black parents and guardians through the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) identification process. Through semi-structured oral interviews, parent questionnaires, and parent journaling, the researcher identified participants’ lived experiences. Data were collected, participant interview responses, parent questionnaires, and parent journal entries were analyzed, a list of significant statements was categorized and grouped into meaning units, and textural, structural, and composite descriptions of the phenomena were identified (Moustakas, 1994). Categories and themes, as well as perceived facilitators and barriers were identified. Review of the literature indicates little research has been conducted in investigating the lived experiences of Black parents through the autism identification process. Recommendations from the study are provided to inform parental training needs and supports, to assist in the facilitation of effective identification, as well as necessary recommendations for how educators and health care professionals can better support Black parents through the ASD identification process.