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.
Recommended Citation
Van Patten-Walsh, Candace M., "The impacts of autism: having a child with autism and the formation of mother's identity" (2013). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 1219.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/1219
https://scholarworks.calstate.edu/concern/theses/mw22v7956