Raising Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Mothers’ Stress Interpretations, and Coping Outcomes

Abstract

Mothers of children with Autism Spectrum behavior (ASD) exhibit poor behavior. Guided by Family Stress Theory and descriptive research design, I explored the behaviors of mothers in raising children with ASD. I interviewed 12 mothers whom I selected using purposive sampling technique. Through thematic analysis, I found that mothers encountered tantrums and physical outbursts, difficulty communicating with non-verbal children, and high cost of therapy and school. They interpret these stressful events as emotional gateway and safe space, requiring patience, and heavy financial weight. They cope by calming strategy, consistent communication, and seeking financial help resulting to a sense of relief, deepened functional connection, and partial relief of financial burden. Mothers need education and financial assistance to improve well-being. Future research may apply regression, mediation, and exploratory factor analyses to examine mothers’ interpretations, copings, and resource use relate to transformed behavior in raising children with ASD.