Exploring Parental Perspectives on Mental Health Screening and Support for Parents of Children With Autism in Singapore: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

作者：Su Wen Tan, Mae Yue Tan, SA Chong, Magdalena Yvonne Koh, Jamie Qiao Xin Ng, Ramkumar Aishworiya, Shefaly Shorey · 发表于：International Journal of Mental Health Nursing · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1111/inm.70208 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Family and Disability Support Research、Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development、Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face unique mental health challenges. Systematic mental health screening could identify parents in need of timely support; however, parental perceptions toward this have not been adequately explored. This qualitative descriptive study aimed to explore parental knowledge and attitudes toward mental health screening among parents of children with ASD in Singapore. Adult parents, who were primary caregivers of children with ASD aged between 2 and 18 years, were invited to participate in semi-structured individual online interviews. A purposive sample of 14 mothers was recruited from a tertiary paediatric developmental clinic between July and November 2024. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. The Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Studies (COREQ) checklist was used for reporting. Three themes identified as follows: (1) Understanding and Acceptance of Mental Health Screening, (2) Navigating Barriers to Mental Health Support, and (3) Shaping Effective Mental Health Services. Our findings indicate that while mothers recognise the benefits of mental health screening, stigma, lack of awareness and logistical challenges remain significant barriers. Effective implementation of mental health screening and follow-up support requires collaboration between healthcare, schools, government and community organisations to ensure a non-judgmental and accessible screening process.