The retrospective experiences of a mother of a child with autism

grantor: University of TorontoThis naturalistic study used qualitative research methodology to investigate the retrospective parenting experiences of a mother of a child with autism. The primary objective was to record and understand the experiences in the life of the participant, and to compare these with the themes in the literature on parental coping. Ethnographic methodologies of data collection and analysis were used to identify and analyze issues/themes that have shaped her life retrospectively. Data was collected for the case study through in-depth, semi structured interviews. Eleven consistent themes emerged from the interview data: (a) diagnosis, (b) encountering autism, (c) fruitless sacrifices, (d) day-to-day living/stress and coping, (e) getting adequate treatment, (f) mother as teacher, (g) hopes and fears, (h) social reactions, (i) the 'other' child, and (j) falling apart, (k) maturating as a parent. Based on data analysis three themes have emerged which has not been represented previously in the literature. These themes and the implications of having a child with autism on the participant's life are discussed.M.A