Development of an Integrated Developmental Model for Adaptation with Autistic Children in Family System.

Autistic children face challenges in communication, verbal skills, and emotional abilities, which, along with their special-care needs, place additional pressure on families, leading to difficulties in maintaining family balance and parental management. Therefore, the present study aimed to design and develop an integrated developmental model of autistic children based on parent-child adaptation within the family system. This qualitative research was conducted using a grounded theory approach. The population consisted of parents of autistic children in Tehran, from whom 14 parents (both men and women) were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling at the Masir Center and were interviewed, adhering to ethical considerations, lasting approximately 50 to 60 min. Following the interviews, the findings were coded using Strauss and Corbin's method at three levels: open coding, axial coding, and selective coding. The findings of this research were discussed within the framework of underlying factors (enriching children's experiences), predisposing factors (environmental supports), mediating factors (organizational supports), growth-oriented coping strategies (implementation of an integrated development education program), and consequential outcomes (integrated developmental transformation of autistic children). Findings revealed the impact of collaboration and coordination within the support and therapeutic system on effective adaptation and development in autistic children. Therefore, attending to a multifaceted and integrated perspective in the development and adaptation processes of these children within the family system is required when interacting with them and designing educational programs.