title: "We are all there silently coping." The hidden experiences of parents of adults with Asperger syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The experiences of older parents of adults with Asperger syndrome have not been explored in the research literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four families who had middle-aged offspring with Asperger syndrome were interviewed (3 mothers and 1 couple), and the interviews were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six themes emerged from the analysis: (a) providers of "hidden" support, (b) role of advocate, (c) social isolation, (d) intrafamilial relationships, (e) support for parents, and (f) future concerns.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study offer insight into the experience of parents of adult sons with Asperger syndrome. Implications for future support interventions and research are suggested.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, Bangor University, Brigantia Building, Penrallt Road, Bangor LL57 2AS, Wales, UK. g.m.griffi th@bangor.ac.uk
authors.forename: Gemma M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Griffith
authors.forename: Vasiliki
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Totsika
authors.forename: Susie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nash
authors.forename: Robert S P
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Hastings
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D032721:Adult Children / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012934:Social Isolation; D012944:Social Support; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological