An exploration of mothers’ relationships with their young, non-verbal children with an autism spectrum disorder:A case study approach

摘要: There is currently considerable knowledge relating to the relationship between a mother and her child. This based upon proposition that both child are innately programmed be sociable pre-programmed respond social situations therefore elicit caregiving. Equally, adults their children. However, many parents of young children with autism have suggested little prepares them for limited responsiveness exhibit. This qualitative study, using six case studies, focused reciprocal nature mother-child in who were also non-verbal, sought explore any factors which influenced experienced by To date no published study has explored this relationship. naturalistic paradigm comprised in-depth studies mixed methods data collection. Each includes diagnosed non-verbal. Data collection included semi-structured interview, observation interaction Parenting Stress Index (PSI) questionnaire commonly used clinical practice. The coded themes generated. numerical analysed resulting descriptive statistics. was initially separately, followed cross-case analysis. quantitative integrated conceptually clustered matrix, development an association network displays relationships amongst variables associated narrative text describing meaning connections variables. Findings suggest these mothers difficulties forming maintaining connection or attachment deemed interactions within very one-sided. resulted feeling rejected unloved they often did not reciprocate love Five received autism-specific interventions support. improvement children’s communication interaction, together increase mothers’ understanding Conversely ability responsive synchronise behaviours children’s, maternal confidence culminated possible strengthening Changes strategic operational practice professionals working dyads proposed include specific objectives comprising workshops, further research undergraduate training raise awareness alter