Involvement of Grandmothers in Caring for Children with Autism in the Philippines: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

This study looked into the lived experiences of Filipino grandmothers rearing children with autism (CWA) focusing particularly on the extent of their involvement. The study used Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) through interview and storytelling of eight (8) Filipino grandmothers. Analysis of data generated three themes such as “I watch him every time his parents are out” (physical involvement), “I hope one day he‟ll be okey” (emotional involvement) and “Financially, I gave whatever I have” (financial involvement). The study attempts to explain the extent of involvement of grandmothers in rearing children with autism across these dimensions. Physical involvement is bounded by physical strength, emotional involvement is bounded by self-restraint and financial involvement is bounded by financial capability. The caring and nurturing nature of Filipino grandmothers is translated to their physical, emotional and financial involvement in rearing their grandchildren from conception to adulthood. Filipino children with autism as described in this study had issues covering the broad categories of deficits in social communication and social interaction and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Given the atypicalities and the inherent impediments experienced by those in the lower socio-economic status, intervention programs can be created and implemented to address them.

Keywords – autism, rearing, Filipino grandmother, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis