The value of mixed-method research with families of children with autism spectrum disorder: A grounded theory protocol

Abstract

This study emphasizes the value of mixed-method research methodologies in research with families of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDD), specifically Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The category of NDD in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5) includes Intellectual Developmental Disorders, Communication Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Specific Learning Disorder, and Motor Disorders. NDD affect not only the child, but the family as well. Limited research has utilized a qualitative or a mixed-methods approach to explore the experiences, stressors, and resilience of parents of children with ASD in non-Western contexts. Providing an example of a mixed-methods design, this paper illustrates a multiplephase doctoral study on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study’s objective is to conduct an embedded design, mixed-method analysis using grounded theory to better understand parents’ (mothers and fathers) experiences, stressors, well-being and resilience in the Malaysian cultural context. Integrating and blending the approaches together allows for deeper analysis and theory development, while allowing rich cultural data to be shared in research areas where limited information is present. Revealing the family system, cultural, and contextual processes, the findings have important implications for professionals and researchers to develop more meaningful, culturally-tailored, and evidenced-based interventions.