Parents' Perspectives on Family Violence against Children with Autism

Background: Children are among the most susceptible groups of family violence and this is an important and worrying issue all over the world. Children with disabilities are more vulnerable to family violence. Children with autism are exposed to various types of violence due to their wide range of disabilities, as well as high tensions that are imposed on their families. Family violence against children with autism has not been studied in Iran, therefore, this study was conducted to explain the concept of family violence against children with autism from the perspectives of parents in Iran. Methods: This is a qualitative research study. Data were gathered using individual and semi-structured interviews. Eighteen parents of autistic children were selected using purposeful sampling. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze and interpret the data. Results: Four themes for family violence were defined with 9 sub-categories including physical violence, emotional violence, verbal violence and Sexual violence. Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study from the perspective of parents, autistic children need to be cared and educated in a safe environment where they are free from any kind of violence. Their privacy and individual identities are respected, and they are provided with the required treatment and education. These conditions would maintain the dignity of such children and consequently result in appropriate behavioral outcomes. Therefore, it is suggested that a culturally sound, and stable background be provided, which when supported by professional caregivers, will ensure that the rights of autistic children are protected and emphasized.