Investigating the Dimensins of the Problems Experienced by Mothers with Children with Autism: A Phenomenological Study

Borzoo  Amirpour; Zahra  Esmi; Hassan Shafiei; Feresheh Pourmohseni  Koluri

doi:10.18502/jzms.v7i1.17717

Borzoo Amirpour Assistant Professor, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Zahra Esmi MSc of General Psychology, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Hassan Shafiei Assistant Professor, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran
Feresheh Pourmohseni Koluri Associate Professor, School of Educational Sciences and Psychology, Payame Noor University, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jzms.v7i1.17717

Keywords: Autism; Lived experiences; Mothers; Phenomenology

Abstract

Background: The birth of a child with special needs deviates thefrom the normal functions of the family due to the imposition of high levels of stress and anxiety from its evolutionary process. Among these, mothers pay a series of problems as the cost of caring for these children due to their closeness and being more engaged engagmad in parenting duties. This study aimedThe aim of this study was to investigate the dimensions of the problems experienced by mothers with children with autism.

Methods: The present study was based on qualitative methods and a phenomenological paradigm. The statistical population of the research included all mothers with autistic children (care and education centers for autistic children under welfare supervision) of Ardabil province in 2022, and 17 mothers up to the saturation stage were selected as a sample using the purposeful sampling method.

Results: Six main themes regarding the life experiences of mothers with children with autism, along with 20 sub-themes, were identified the main themes, including impact on the family with six sub-themes; social and stigma issues with three sub-themes; Diagnostic and therapeutic problems with three sub-themes; Educational, educational and recreational problems with three sub-themes; Economic problems with three sub-themes and Mothers concern for children with autism with two sub-themes.

Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be stated that mothers with children with autism spectrum experience painful experiences and psychosocial, family, educational, and financial worries about caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder. These factors show the necessity of paying more attention to these mothers in the mentioned areas.