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

HSU 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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