Process of self-identity transformation in women with autistic adolescent

Bih-Ching Shu1, Li-Hua Lo, Li-Ling Lin

  • 1Institute of Allied Health Sciences, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan. shubih@mail.ncku.edu.tw

The purpose of this study was to understand the self-identity transformation in women with adolescent autistic children. In this study, in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Eight mothers were recruited who had autistic children aged 13-21 and who were those children's primary caregivers. Each mother was interviewed from one to four times. Four themes emerged through these mothers rethinking their connection with others during middle age. These included (1) relationships revisited; (2) self-awareness inspiration; (3) reconnection constructed; and (4) new self-identity formed. Results are hoped to provide valuable information for health professionals to understand how mothers of autistic adolescents connect with others and with their self-identity during middle age.

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