ERIC Number: EJ1426616
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024-Jun
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1362-3613
EISSN: EISSN-1461-7005
Available Date: N/A
"I Do My Best to Do Right by Her": Autistic Motherhood and the Experience of Raising a Non-Autistic Adolescent Daughter
Natalie Libster; Robin Harwood; Karen Meacham; Connie Kasari
Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, v28 n6 p1357-1368 2024
Little is known about the parenting experiences of autistic mothers, yet there is reason to believe that autistic mothers of non-autistic daughters have a unique set of experiences, especially during their daughters' adolescence. Seven autistic mothers of adolescent (n = 5) and adult (n = 2) non-autistic daughters were interviewed about their experiences of raising their daughters during adolescence. Data were analyzed using an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) approach and four superordinate themes were identified: (1) Closeness in relationships (expressed affection, safety and support, understanding mothers' autism), (2) Parenting strengths (problem-solving skills, positive strategies for managing conflict), (3) Identifying own social challenges (understanding social dynamics, friendships and social groups), and (4) Building daughters' social skills (concern about daughters' social development, creating opportunities for positive social interactions). This research highlights the strengths of autistic mothers and the loving relationships they have with their daughters. Mothers in this study also revealed specific challenges, such as interacting with other parents who often ignored or excluded them. This study, therefore, emphasizes the need for greater societal awareness, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion of the autistic community.
Descriptors: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Child Rearing, Mothers, Adolescents, Parents with Disabilities, Parent Child Relationship, Parenting Skills, Barriers, Interpersonal Competence, Skill Development, Foreign Countries
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: US Department of Health and Human Services
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United States; Canada; United Kingdom (England)
Grant or Contract Numbers: 5UT3MC39436
Author Affiliations: N/A