Abstract:

Being a mother is defined as a serious life event in which women often experience physical, psychological and sociological changes. Parenting a child diagnosed with autism can be associated with a high risk of presenting mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Therefore, researchers, educators or professionals have focused on family members, as well as ASD individuals. Involvement of a child with special needs in the family can often bring stressful and challenging experiences. The purpose of this study is twofold; first, to explore their perspectives on children and social support systems of women with children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and second, to unfold their life experiences. The study was structured using qualitative research method. Qualitative interviews were conducted with mothers of children diagnosed with ASD in Ankara, Turkey.  Interviews were conducted with 11 middle age, unemployed Turkish mothers.  Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and content analysis was used. The results are interpreted in two main themes (perspectives of mothers on their children and social support). According to the research findings, women mostly don’t have social support and they gradually lose connection to their husbands and other family members or peers. Finally, the findings obtained from the study were discussed in the light of the relevant literature. 

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