Process of Self-Identity Transformation in Women With Autistic Adolescent

Abstract

AB STRACT:The pur pose of this study was to under stand the self-identity trans for ma tion in women with ado les cent autis tic chil dren. In this study, in-depth inter views were used to col lect data. Eight moth ers were recruited who had autis tic chil dren aged 13~21 and who were those chil dren's pri mary care givers. Each mother was inter viewed from one to four times. Four themes emerged through these moth ers rethink ing their con nec tion with oth ers dur ing mid dle age. These included (1) rela tion ships revis ited;(2) self-awareness inspi ra tion; (3) reconnection con structed; and (4) new self-identity formed. Results are hoped to pro vide valu able infor ma tion for health pro fes sion als to under stand how moth e rs of autis tic ado les cents con nect with oth ers and with their self-identity dur ing mid dle age.

Making space for positive constructions of the mother-child relationship : the voices of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

“…Even prior to having children, women are bombarded with ideological values associated with (good) motherhood (Landsman, 1998). The notion ofbecoming and being a mother is socially constructed as an important aspect in a woman's life; constructed as her defining moment (Landsman, 1998;Shu, Lo, Lin, Hsieh, Li & Wu, 2006). Connected with this ideology is the expectation that mothers will develop a strong attachment bond with their children (Landsman, 1998;Shu et al, 2006).…”

“…The notion ofbecoming and being a mother is socially constructed as an important aspect in a woman's life; constructed as her defining moment (Landsman, 1998;Shu, Lo, Lin, Hsieh, Li & Wu, 2006). Connected with this ideology is the expectation that mothers will develop a strong attachment bond with their children (Landsman, 1998;Shu et al, 2006). Such ideological values, as reflected in attachment theory, are a source of contention within the feminist literature, where ideologies of motherhood are critically challenged for their lack of validity in connection to the experiences of being a mother (Horwitz, 2004;O'reilly, 2006;Rich, 1976).…”