摘要：The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) in children has a relevant impact also on their
parents. Parental websites offer opportunities to share social support, personal experiences, and
health-related information. This study aimed at exploring how parents of ASDs children use specific
online forums for ASDs. We selected an online forum of parents of ASDs children and analyzed 2469
messages using the latent thematic analysis. We identified four major themes, that we defined in terms
of: The supporting group; the difficulties; the activities; and a perspective know-how. Results showed
that parents with ASDs children often experience a need of emotional and practical support to cope
with the difficulties with their lives. The online community seems to allow them to share experiences
and solve doubts about their parental role, proposing practical advice and sustaining them. Belonging
to the same group further acts as a support for parental well-being through peer similarity.
关键词：Autism; Parenting; Internet forum; E-group; Thematic analysis
