Date of Completion
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
Keywords
Autism
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the perspectives and approaches of primary caregivers towards the identified transitional challenges of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from adolescence and adulthood in Cavite. A descriptive phenomenological research design was used to determine the challenges during the transition of individuals with ASD toward adulthood through the primary caregivers' perspective, while also describing their approaches and perceptions. Convenience and snowball sampling were used to gather necessary respondents for the study due to the limited and registered young adult population of ASD. Primary caregivers were interviewed using a validated research instrument after formal invitation and consent collection. The Colaizzi method was employed to analyze and describe the data through the emergence of main themes and theme clusters. Social Interaction Challenges, Emotional Regulation Challenges, Functional Independence Challenges, Systemic Inclusion Challenges, and Higher Cognitive Challenges were the five main challenges found during the transition. Primary caregivers also shared their perceptions of these challenges, highlighting the Social Pressure towards Care Recipients, the Personal Development of Caregivers, the Positive Growth of Care Recipients, and the Emotional Burden of Caregiving. In response to these challenges, primary caregivers used four main approaches, which were Supportive Assistive Techniques, Provision of Empathetic and Patient Care, Proactive Strategies for Behavioral Management, and Utilization of Institutional Services. This showed that the transition from adolescence to adulthood for individuals with ASD was challenging, with approaches and perceptions of primary caregivers varying from one another depending on their personal beliefs, available resources, and their environmental contexts.
First Advisor
Princess Gelacio, OTRP
APA Citation
Balceda, I. G.,
Brutas, A.,
Cruz, S. T.,
De Leon, A. V.,
Manuyag, C. F.,
Marcelo, E. M.,
Quitalig, J. D.,
&
Ramos, R. Y.
(2025).
A phenomenological study on becoming an adult with autism: challenges, perceptions, and approaches from primary caregivers in Cavite, Philippines.
Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy.
Retrieved from https://greenprints.dlshsi.edu.ph/bsot/77