The experiences of mothers of children with autism: Managing multiple roles

Abstract

Background Mothers of children with autism experience poorer health and wellbeing compared to mothers of children with other disabilities or typically-developing children. This qualitative phenomenological study aimed to explore the daily life experiences of mothers of children with autism, and the strategies they use to manage their roles, their emotions, and their child's behaviours.

Method In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 mothers and the data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Results Findings revealed that the mothers were challenged by the demands of their multiple roles while dealing with the paradox of accepting their child for who they were, and at the same time also desiring their typical growth and development. However, the mothers reported various strategies they used to manage their roles, their emotions, and their child's behaviours.

Conclusions The findings indicate that health professionals working with these families must support mothers in managing various aspects of their lives, including those not directly related to their child with autism.

Keywords:

• autism
• mothers
• paradox
• roles
• emotions
• behaviours

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank the women who participated in this study for giving of their time and sharing their experiences, and the Autism Association of Western Australia who assisted in recruiting participants.

Declaration of interest: The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.