Philippine E-Journals

Maternal Challenges of Raising a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Jinkee B Capote | Bernice Grace O Guevara | Clarence Lacaba | Liezel Niña Lismoras

Discipline: Psychology

 

Abstract:

The purpose of the study was to know the lived experiences and struggles of the mothers raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study employed a qualitative research design specifically a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling was utilized in order to identify six biological mothers of children having ASD. The researchers formulated a semi-structured questionnaire and conducted in-depth interviews to the participants in order to deepen their responses. The results of this research revealed that mothers who are raising a child with ASD discover unusual and delayed developments in their child, acknowledge the need of professional help, manage personal demands from their child, and ask themselves why it has to be them. The mothers are also faced with challenges about providing monetary support, marital problems, social discrimination, their child’s repetitive behaviors, and their professional career. Despite that the mothers tend to cope through rationalizing their decisions and through their faith in God.