THE PSYCHOLOGICAL SUFFERING IN THE MOTHERHOOD OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD)

Abstract

This research aims to understand the dimensions that constitute the psychological suffering of mothers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), based on their subjective experiences and the adaptations required by atypical motherhood. Motherhood, often shaped by social and personal idealizations, undergoes a significant rupture when the child is diagnosed with a developmental disorder. The diagnosis of ASD demands emotional, practical, and identity reorganization, requiring the construction of new meanings for the mother–child bond and for the maternal experience itself. Moreover, since the responsibility of care often falls primarily on the mother, there is an increased physical and emotional burden, which may trigger feelings such as guilt, exhaustion, and frustration. The main objective of this study is to analyze the factors that affect the psychological suffering of these women, based on three analytical axes: (1) the journey of motherhood and the discovery of ASD; (2) the impacts of the diagnosis and the adaptation processes; and (3) coping strategies and mental health care. Structured interviews were conducted with two mothers and qualitatively analyzed in light of specialized literature on motherhood, identity, overload, and care. The data reveal different ways of experiencing the diagnosis and daily demands, but converge on the perception of an intense process of subjective resignification and life reorganization. This study aims to contribute theoretical and practical reflections that promote welcoming, listening, and care for mothers of children with atypical development, emphasizing the importance of support networks and psychological strategies tailored to their specific experiences.

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