Abstract:

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a condition characterized by several levels of social behavior, communication and language that is disturbed by various interests and narrow activities that are unique to the individual and carried out repeatedly. Parents need coping to understand the condition of children with special needs. This study aims to analyze coping behavior in parents who have children with special needs (autism). This research is a qualitative research with a case study approach. The data were obtained by means of in-depth interviews and observations on 14 informants consisting of families, parents and health workers as well as teachers and principals Public Special School 1 Kendari. Content analysis is used to identify topics or categories in data. The results showed that coping behaviors were used to overcome feelings, namely worship, crying, patience, keeping busy and entertaining themselves. Coping behavior to overcome the condition of children with special needs (autism) in the form of following therapy, dietary food, teaching children at home, alternative medicine and taking medication. To support coping efforts, parents get support from family, friends, school principals, teachers and therapists. It is recommended that Special School 1 Kendari be able to increase the understanding and knowledge of parents about autism by holding training for parents who have children with autism, how to handle children with autism so that parents gain understanding and help parents' difficulties in working with children with autism.

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