Abstract:

Approximately 30,000 underage children in the Czech Republic experience divorce and parental separation every year. Regardless of the age all children have to cope with the consequences of the family breakdown. In case of children with autism spectrum disorder, the situation is even more complicated. Every child with autism reacts differently to their parents' divorce and therefore their reactions are unpredictable. Response to the circumstances and its intensity is determined by age, personality traits, temperament or by the relationship to each parents.

Some children with autism who experience parents´ divorce may not show visible or significant behavioral or emotional changes, however most children react very sensitively and with noticeable restlessness. Children 's emotional experiences can vary in intensity. They may face the fears for future, feel lonely or even tend to become depressed. Often, they struggle with anger and displeasure.

During this period, it is not exceptional that children try to attract parents´ attention, often through an inappropriate manner or inadequate behavior.

This paper presents results of a research that aims to analyze and describe the impact of family breakdown on children with autism spectrum disorder with focus on social interaction and communication with parents or teachers. Another key objective was to reveal possible changes in school achievement and changes in the behavior of the sample group of monitored children.

The main research method was questioning (a survey) and questionnaire of our own design was applied to collect data.

The sample contained 39 respondents (N = 39) that participated in the survey. The respondents were parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and the basic criterion was defined by personal experience from the period of family breakdown. The obtained data were subjected to in-depth analysis which reveals the specifics of the influence of parental divorce on the behavior, communication, social behavior and education of a child with autism.

The paper presents interesting results of the analysis, which clarifies the effect of family breakdown on children with autism spectrum disorder.

Keywords:

Autism spectrum disorders, family breakdown, problem behavior, social interactions, communication.