How Filipino parents home educate their children with autism during COVID-19 period

Abstract

This short article describes how Filipino parents home educate their children with autism during the COVID-19 period. Employing a mainly qualitative research approach, five parents who have children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were interviewed online. The data were subjected to thematic analysis. The results highlight the following themes: (1) many are better than one in home education during isolation; (2) from struggles with the transition to cultivation of new activities; (3) new social reality in preparation for the post-pandemic period; (4) all forms of home education are essential; and (5) families encouraging families in these tough times. This paper provides insights as regards the home education of children with autism amid the current global emergency.

Keywords:

• home education
• parents
• children with autism
• COVID-19

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to express his sincerest gratitude to the special families and societies in Mindanao, Philippines for participating in this work that rekindles hope for children with autism.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.