The impacts of autism: having a child with autism and the formation of mother's identity

This work investigates if mothers forego a shift in identity due to having a child with autism. Through conducting interviews with mothers of children with autism, themes around the transition period of non-typical behavior by their child, the diagnosis, coping mechanisms, family and friend support and issues of stigma and challenges in public are discussed. This work uncovered a reordering of salience hierarchically of mothering a child with autism through changes in the mother's lifestyle, goals and expectations and the social circles of which they engage. These shifts in salience reveal a shift in identity in mothers of children with autism due to a clear shift in meanings, priorities, and actions engaged by the mother.