Pillar Mothers: Perspective on the Adaptation Process of Mothers of Autistic Children

Mothers of autistic children encounter numerous daily challenges that can affect their adaptation. While many studies have documented the impact on mothers of having an autistic child and factors contributing to their adaptation and their experiences of motherhood, few have examined how mothers of autistic children perceive their overall adaptation. We investigated with a qualitative design how mothers of autistic children perceive stressors, facilitators (resources, coping strategies, and contexts), and outcomes of adaptation in various life domains. Participants included 17 mothers of autistic children ranging from 2 to 8 years old. Mothers participated in a phone interview about their perception of their successes, challenges, and adaptation as mothers of their children. A thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts using inductive and deductive coding. A cross-case analysis was subsequently used to identify themes and subthemes. Results highlight the complexity of the maternal adaptation process in the context of autism, which starts before the child’s diagnosis. Stressors, facilitators, and outcomes were described as overlapping in the psychological, social, professional, marital, and parental life domains. The accumulation of stressors was identified as mothers of autistic children’s main source of stress and almost impossible to reduce. Participants explained having difficulties accessing effective facilitators. While outcomes of adaptation vary across mothers and life domains, indicators of distress were identified for all participants. Implications are discussed regarding how service providers and society could better support mothers of autistic children by considering their complex reality and by providing more resources and information.