The Impact of traditional Chinese beliefs, stigma and local school service provision on the coping strategies of parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Hong Kong

In Confucian philosophy, filial piety (FP) is a virtue of respect for one's parents and ancestors. Fulfilling one's FP responsibilities means that an individual should be good to their parents; should be capable of supporting and taking care of their parents and ancestors in their old age. As a result, it is generally recognized that in Chinese society, parents attach a very high value to the academic achievement of their children. A Chinese child's 'job' is to do well academically, in order to become gainfully employed, so that they can fulfil their FP duties. If a child is unable to observe FP towards their parents and ancestors, for example due to limited academic achievement, this might be perceived by their family as straining and violating their cultural obligations. Consequently there are several culturally specific impacts that must be faced by Chinese parents who find themselves raising a child with a significant disability, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Despite the acknowledged importance of the family, relatively little is known about the functioning of Chinese families with children with ASD (CwASD) in Hong Kong (HK). Data were gathered from 100 x HK/Chinese parents of CwASD to try to understand how traditional Chinese beliefs, community values, and the day-to-day experience of raising a child with ASD impacted on Chinese parents' perception of current local school provision in HK, and the resulting coping strategies employed by these parents. It is hoped that the results of this study will raise awareness for the need of further teacher awareness, and educational services for families who are currently trying to adjust their parenting skills to cater for a family member with ASD.