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.
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