Forensic expert evaluation of parents of children with autism who are victims of discrimination in educational institutions.
Keywords:
Social discrimination, inclusive education, psychological stress, forensic psychology, autism spectrum disorderAbstract
This study analyzes the psychological impact of discrimination against children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in educational institutions on their parents or caregivers from a forensic perspective within the Ecuadorian context. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative and qualitative procedures. The quantitative component assessed indicators of stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, and family functioning through psychometric instruments, whereas the qualitative component explored participants' experiences and perceptions using semi-structured interviews. The findings revealed substantial emotional distress among parents and caregivers, with 58.1% reporting high or very high levels of psychological impact and 54.8% exhibiting moderate to severe impairments in family functioning. Furthermore, all participants expressed concern regarding their children's educational opportunities, social inclusion, future independence, and protection of their rights. Qualitative analysis identified persistent barriers to educational inclusion, insufficient institutional responses, and significant emotional consequences resulting from discriminatory experiences within the school environment. The study concludes that discrimination against students with ASD extends beyond the educational setting by significantly affecting the mental health and well-being of their families. These findings underscore the need to strengthen inclusive educational policies, ensure effective protection of the rights of children with ASD, and expand the availability of psychological support services for both students and their caregivers.
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