The impacts of autism: having a child with autism and the formation of mother's identity

Graduation Date

2013

Document Type

Thesis

Program

Other

Program

Thesis (M.A.)--Humboldt State University, Sociology, 2013

Committee Chair Name

Jennifer Eichstedt

Committee Chair Affiliation

Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff

Keywords

Experiences of mothers, Identity, Identity shift, Coping, Identity theory, Humboldt State University -- Theses -- Sociology, Salience, Autism diagnosis, Women caregivers, Mothers, Stigma

Abstract

This work investigates if mothers forego a shift in identity due to having a child with autism. Through conducting interviews with mothers of children with autism, themes around the transition period of non-typical behavior by their child, the diagnosis, coping mechanisms, family and friend support and issues of stigma and challenges in public are discussed. This work uncovered a reordering of salience hierarchically of mothering a child with autism through changes in the mother's lifestyle, goals and expectations and the social circles of which they engage. These shifts in salience reveal a shift in identity in mothers of children with autism due to a clear shift in meanings, priorities, and actions engaged by the mother.

https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/mw22v7956

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