QUALITATIVE STUDY OF FAMILIES RESILIENCE IN MOTHERS WITH
A CHILD WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER

Prapatsorn Chantasiriwate¹, Arunya Tuicomepee², Nattasuda Taepan³

¹gprapatsorn@gmail.com , ²atuicomepee@gmail.com , ³tnattasuda@gmail.com

Abstract

To date, there is limited research focusing on positive aspect of family with a child with autism. This phenomenological qualitative study aimed to examine lived experience of family resilience in mothers with a child with autism. There were seven Thai mothers with a child with autism participating in this study. In-depth interviews were conducted. Interview scripts were analyzed using qualitative method.

Findings revealed six themes of experiences. First theme is family hardship such as situational and psychological hardship. Second theme is family resources including the love and care of parents, family bonding, emotional and morale support and useful information and services. Third theme is growing acceptance of their child with autism as well as having realistic expectation toward professionals who works with their child. Fourth theme is positive family development. Fifth theme is effective family functioning including family communication, family task allocation, and development in readiness to cope. Sixth theme is the happiness and personal growth such as happiness, and life satisfaction

The study assists psychologists and mental health professionals working with family in particular the mothers to be cognizant of the possible influences of family development through positive aspects of having a child with autism

Keywords: family resilience, mothers with a child with autism, qualitative study

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