Journal article
“I do my best to do right by her”: Autistic motherhood and the experience of raising a non-autistic adolescent daughter
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, v 28(6), pp 1357-1368
01 Jun 2024
PMID: 38529855
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
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.
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Details
- Title
- “I do my best to do right by her”: Autistic motherhood and the experience of raising a non-autistic adolescent daughter
- Creators
- Natalie Libster - University of California, Los AngelesRobin Harwood - Film IndependentKaren Meacham - University of California, Los AngelesConnie Kasari (Corresponding Author) - University of California, Los Angeles
- Publication Details
- Autism : the international journal of research and practice, v 28(6), pp 1357-1368
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Number of pages
- 12
- Grant note
- 5UT3MC39436 / ;
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001191853000001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85188720207
- Other Identifier
- 991022160123504721
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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Source: SDGs in the Output
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Web of Science research areas
- Psychology, Developmental