Logotherapy to improve parent-child relationship among mothers of autistic children: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: Autism spectrum disorders are characterized by three characteristics: impairment in the quality of social relationships, severe impairment in communication, and restricted, repetitive behavioral patterns. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of logotherapy on the parent-child relationship among mothers of autistic children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This research is a clinical trial with pre-test, post-test design, and control group. Forty mothers were selected and randomly assigned into two groups of intervention and control. The intervention group attended 10 sessions (90 min) of logotherapy, twice a week, while the control group received the routine intervention. A mother-child relationship evaluation questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS statistical software was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: The results showed that group logotherapy training affects the parent-child relationship in mothers of autistic children. We only examined the relatively short-term effects of logotherapy on parents' and children's outcomes because after the children's school year ended, their mothers did not refer to the center. In order to achieve accurate results, we recommend examining the long-term effects of this approach in future studies. CONCLUSIONS: Logotherapy is an effective approach to improve the parent-child relationship in mothers of autistic children.

Stages of grieving in fathers of autistic children: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: The grieving process in parents of these children is an ongoing and cyclic one since there is no real end to it. We explored the experience of grief and feelings of loss in fathers of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), in the west and northwest of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis. Fourteen fathers took part in a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: Six categories were identified in relation to the stages of grief: 1- "Uncertainty of dealing with the unpleasant unknown"; 2- "Being hurt and broken inside"; 3- "Isolation and concealment as a consequence of the pressure caused by ignorance"; 4- "Search for cause"; 5- "Search for a cure"; 6- "Breaking or blooming". CONCLUSIONS: Fathers of children with ASD go through intense and continuous sorrow and grief. According to our findings, it is recommended that health care professionals work collaboratively with fathers and provide support upon receiving the diagnosis of their child.