Between Uncertainty and Adaptation: Experiences of Parents Rearing Children with Autism in Zambia

This study explored the experiences of parents raising children with autism in Zambia with particular attention to the relationship between parental uncertainty and adaptation. The study was guided by the recognition that raising a child with autism may involve challenges related to limited knowledge, inadequate support, financial demands and uncertainty about the child's development and needs. A qualitative research approach was employed to gain an in-depth understanding of parents' lived experiences. Six parents of children with autism participated in the study and were selected using qualitative sampling techniques. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that parents experienced considerable uncertainty arising from limited knowledge about autism, difficulties understanding their children's behaviours and developmental needs and limited access to appropriate professional and social support. Parents also experienced emotional strain, feelings of inadequacy and financial challenges associated with meeting their children's needs. Despite these challenges, parents demonstrated adaptation through learning from experience, developing strategies to support their children and seeking information and support from available sources. The findings suggest that parental experiences were shaped not only by the demands of raising a child with autism but also by the limited support systems available to assist parents in understanding and responding to their children's needs. The study highlights the need for accessible parent education, coordinated support services and psychosocial interventions that can reduce uncertainty and strengthen parents' capacity to adapt.