Maternal narratives
family changes following an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18554/refacs.8953Keywords:
Family relations, Autism spectrum disorder, MotheringAbstract
Objective: to understand the perceptions of a family member regarding changes in families resulting from a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 3 support needs) in their children. Methods: a qualitative, cross-sectional study conducted in 2024 with women from a municipality in the far south of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was employed. Results: nine women with children at different developmental stages participated. Three themes emerged: a) the children's diagnosis and its implications, b) changes in relationships, and c) responsibility centered on the mother. The diagnosis marked a turning point in the families' lives, particularly for the women/mothers, who assumed the central caregiving role. Maternal experiences revealed a lack of professional preparedness regarding the initial demands of the diagnosis and its impact on marital and social relationships; these relationships were often characterized by the severing of previous ties and the formation of new support networks among families of atypical children. Conclusion: the study demonstrates how these changes affect the entire family dynamic, ranging from the continuous pursuit of the children's development to the demands imposed by intensive care, which require significant adjustments to daily routines.
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