How parenting a child with autism influences the identity of the mother: A qualitative study

Abstract

A growing body of quantitative research suggests that parenting a child with autism has considerable effects on the well- being of parents. The is little qualitative research that explores the lived experience of parenting a child with autism even though it is evident that the experience of parenting a child with developmental disabilities has an effects on the psychological functioning of mothers. The present research was qualitative study that aimed to investigate how parenting a child with autism influences the mother's identity. The goal of this research was to enable mothers to discuss their lived experience. Semi- structured interviews were conducted using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Three master themes with corresponding themes and sub themes were identified. Through the analysis, it is supported that mothers of children with autism experience many struggles and difficulties in their lives but at the same time it is possible for them to experience empowerment and sense of growth. Future suggestions and implications of the study are discussed.