Perceptions on the Roles of Non-Parent Caregivers in Therapy Sessions of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The perceptions of non-parent caregivers (nannies or yayas) in supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the Philippine context remained underexplored. Guided by Role Theory, which explained how roles were shaped by expectations, rights, and obligations, the study explored the perspectives of non-parent caregivers on their roles, rights, and obligations in supporting therapy sessions of children with ASD. Using a qualitative descriptive design, data gathered through in-depth interviews (IDIs) from five purposively selected non-parent caregivers were thematically analyzed. The findings revealed that non-parent caregivers perceived their role as multifaceted, involving high expectations, recognized rights, heavy obligations, and associated risks. Future studies could have focused on developing formal training programs for non-parent caregivers of children with ASD, creating institutional guidelines that included them as stakeholders in intervention planning, examining and supporting their mental health and well-being to prevent burnout, and expanding research to larger and more diverse populations across different regions, backgrounds, and disability contexts.