Forms of Occupational Work for Parents of Children on the Autism Spectrum during the Pandemic: Selected Aspects of Functioning and Children’s Participation in Therapy

Abstract

This study, conducted during the pandemic, examined if the occupational situation of parents of children with ASD influenced their parenting role and their children’s participation in therapy. We studied three groups of parents in Poland (n=137): non-employed, stationary workers, and remote workers. We tried to establish how parents assessed their competence in implementing therapy recommendations, their child’s functioning and the need for support using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) and a questionnaire. Results showed that employment status did not affect perceived parental stress levels. The fulfilment of therapy recommendations was similar in the three groups. However, stationary workers felt more competent doing so. The study groups differed in their assessment of difficulties and expected support.