Parents' Challenges of Home-Schooling Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Special Journey

Abstract
This phenomenological research analysed the experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms of parents in the home schooling of children with autism spectrum disorder in the City of San Fernando La Union. The participants were eight (8) parents with children clinically diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder during the School Year 2020-2021. The data gathered using a semi-structured interview guide was thematically analysed. It was found that the participants were fully involved in the home-schooling of their children. Difficulties in the area of rules and authority, schedules and procedures, behaviour management, and parental worry and stress were the challenges encountered by the parents during the home education process. They addressed these transitional difficulties by capitalizing on a positive disposition, gaining support from family members, and through professional consultation. It was concluded that a renewed Parent-School Partnership is deemed necessary for the learning continuity of children with ASD. Based on these findings, the researchers have developed a thematic model which can be used as a guide to enhance home-schooling. In addition, a colloquium scheme as a support program was crafted to up skill parents’ home-schooling of children with ASD.