Attitudes of Mothers towards their Children with Autism

Abstract

This study aims to determine the attitudes of parents towards their children with autism. By determining the effects of the child's autism on the psychological make-up of the mothers, the way in which mothers cope with the behavioral problems of the child with autism is also identified. The study also probes the degree of parental involvement of mothers on the activities of the child. Moreover, relationships of the effects of the child's autism on the psychological make-up of the mothers, ways of coping of mothers with the behavioral problems of their children with autism and the degree of parental involvement of mothers on the activities of their children are determined. Quantitative and qualitative research designs are used to analyze the data gathered in this study. A total of fifty-two (52) mothers who have children with autism aged 3-16 years old participated in the study. Case studies were also done on five mothers who have children with autism to probe deeper the objectives of the study. It is found out that having a child with autism has a direct effect on the psychological make-up of the mothers. They experience stress, frustration and anxiety which allow them to use coping mechanisms to adjust or adapt with the situation. Results also show that mothers have a high coping mechanism on their child's situation because of the presence of external factors like easy access and availability of information regarding autism, support of extended families and availability of interventions on children with autism. Lastly, these mothers have a high parental involvement allowing them to interact more with their child with autism and adapt easily to the situation.