Parenting Experience of Mothers with Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Analysis of the Mothers’ Diaries

摘要

Background/Objectives: This study was conducted to examine the parenting experience of mothers who have children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods/Statistical Analysis: Colaizzi's (1978) qualitative phenomenological method was used. The research subjects were seven mothers with children under seven years of age who were asked to participate in a mother-child attachment promotion program after their children had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The data used in this study were the three-month diaries of the mothers, which were collected from May to June in 2015. Findings: Colaizzi's (1978) analysis method was used to analyze the data. From the analysis of the data for the parenting experience of mothers with autistic children, 6 categories and 12 sub categories were identified. The research participants seemed to find meaning in raising autistic children from the relationships with their autistic children, other children, spouses, family members, and other close people. The parenting experiences of the mothers with autistic children were summarized as "difficulty in accepting limits imposed by the disease", "discouragement", "suffering and the responsibility of a mother", "changes in the family system", "appreciation for small changes" and "hopes and promises for the future". Improvements: Nursing care that can help to improve the quality of life of autistic children, their parents, and other family members is needed.