In-the-moment experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a comparison by household status and region of residence

Abstract

Purpose

This study compared the in-the-moment experiences among mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) by their household status (i.e., single versus coupled) and region of residence (i.e., regional versus major city area).

Methods

An experience sampling method was employed to collect data, and a total of 40 mothers used an iOS device to record activity types and in-the-moment experiences for one week during school term. Mann–Whitney U test and multilevel analysis were conducted to compare the experiences of these mothers.

Results

The analyses found the following results: 1) mothers spent most time in childcare and least time in self-care activities; 2) coupled mothers were more likely to feel supported; 3) coupled mothers were less likely to feel supported in domestic tasks; 4) mothers from major city were more likely to feel challenged in self-care activities; and 5) mothers from major city were more likely to feel supported in productivity tasks.

Conclusion

Limited but significant differences between single and coupled mothers, as well as mothers from regional and major city areas, were found. Future research direction and service provisions were suggested.

Implications for rehabilitation

• This study shows that all mothers spent the most time on childcare and the least amount of time on self-care activities.

• In-the-moment experiences between single and coupled mothers, as well as mothers from major cities and mothers from regional areas, differ somewhat; however, this study builds evidence to support that these mothers’ experiences are similar.

• The result of the study indicates that single mothers require extra support as they carry similar levels of responsibilities as coupled mothers, but without the support of a partner.

• Promoting a sense of control may assist all mothers to fully engage in parenting activities.

Keywords:

• Autism spectrum disorders
• caregiver
• ecological momentary assessment
• everyday experience
• lone mothers
• mothers of children with disability
• real-life experience
• time-use

Acknowledgements

The authors show their great appreciation for those mothers who participated in this study. The authors thank Pricilla Vindin and Mary-Ann Spearing for supporting the data collection process. The authors also acknowledge the support provided by the ASD related service providers and community organizations in Western Australia. The study was conducted as part of the first author’s PhD study under the guidance of the second, the fourth, the fifth and the sixth authors.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that there is no conflict of interest. The authors conducted this research project, independent of the founder and those view expressed are not necessarily those of the founder’s. All researchers take full responsibility for the integrity of the work.

Data availability

The ESM data used to support the findings of this study have not been made available due to the condition approved by the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the Lishman Health Foundation and the first author received the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship for her PhD.