Abstract

This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of Cordilleran parents raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), emphasizing how indigenous spirituality, faith, and community traditions shape caregiving resilience. Using Clandinin and Connelly’s Narrative Inquiry with constructivist grounded theory influence, the research examined how faith-based coping and ancestral traditions sustain emotional and spiritual well-being. Ten parents from Benguet and Mt. Province participated through in-depth interviews, supported by observations and reflective journaling. Three central themes emerged: (1) Lived Spirituality – integrating Christian and indigenous faith into daily caregiving; (2) Faith as Refuge – using prayer, ritual, and nature to manage distress; and (3) Resilient Traditions – strength on communal and ancestral bonds for collective strength. Findings reveal that Cordilleran caregiving is a sacred, faith-infused vocation deeply rooted in land and cosmology. The study underscores the importance of honoring indigenous worldviews in developing culturally sensitive support systems for parents of children with ASD.

Full Article

DOI: 10.56901/edawa2025V5I2-02

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