A journey from suffering to appreciation: mother living with autistic child- a hermeneutic phenomenological study

Raising an autistic child probably entails many challenges, but this issue is not always specific and may also have its advantages. To better understand the experiences of mothers in the field of raising an autistic child, this phenomenological study was conducted.

This qualitative study was conducted using a phenomenological hermeneutic approach influenced by Ricoeur in southeastern Iran. Purposeful sampling was used to obtain rich information. Eight mothers underwent in-depth and semi-structured interviews. Guba and Lincoln's criteria were used for data accuracy and consistency.

Three hundred fifty codes remained after constant comparison, compression, and merging. A total of three themes and nine subthemes were obtained. (1) Navigating social and emotional pressures alongside unconscious resistance to reality; this theme consisted of three subthemes: "Concerns about social commitments", "Hiding the truth" and "Feeling exhausted from the overwhelming responsibilities"; (2) Illuminating darkness of neglect and rejection by supportive bonds and collective experiences: which consisted of three sub-themes: "Learning from peers with common pain", "Being attended in supportive social organizations" and "Being supported by family and close friends" and; (3) Opening doors of perception to higher reality: expanding consciousness; which consisted of three sub-themes: "Learning to be authentic and self-respect", " Learning to live in the present moment in the light of higher power" and "Learning to live with innate intuitive child".

Mothers of autistic children had an appreciative approach. At first, suffering much from the social label of autism was annoying. Subsequently, the support from the Autism Centre and the opportunity to share experiences with other mothers in friendly groups enabled them to transition from a challenging situation to a more positive one. All these experiences led to the acceptance of autism and a better understanding of their child, and ultimately, the expansion of mothers' consciousness.