Autistic Women's Experience of Motherhood: A Qualitative Analysis of Reddit.
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| Title: | Autistic Women's Experience of Motherhood: A Qualitative Analysis of Reddit. |
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| Authors: | Thom-Jones, Sandra, Melgaard, Imogen, Gordon, Chloe S. |
| Source: | Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders. Jul2025, Vol. 55 Issue 7, p2539-2549. 11p. |
| Subjects: | Social media, Support groups, Mental health, Qualitative research, Maternal health services, Autism, Neurodiversity, Communities, Parenting, Experience, Thematic analysis, Communicative disorders, Psychology of mothers, Research, Asperger's syndrome, Social support, Motherhood, Data analysis software, Women's health, Social stigma |
| Abstract: | Autistic mothers remain under-represented in parental and autism research despite the associated physical and psychosocial challenges that accompany the transition to motherhood. Extant literature suggests autistic mothers experience sensory difficulties, communication challenges, stigma, and comorbidities as difficulties, but these studies have focused on autistic women in the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to examine reflections on motherhood from a Reddit community for autistic parents. Identified themes were Autistic Mothering is Different, Autistic Mothers Need Autistic Mothers, Autistic Mothers Experience Stigma, and Learnings from Lockdown. Findings extend existing research by offering insight into the ways autism impacts mothers beyond the perinatal period and have important implications for the future design and delivery of support services for autistic mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection |
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| Abstract: | Autistic mothers remain under-represented in parental and autism research despite the associated physical and psychosocial challenges that accompany the transition to motherhood. Extant literature suggests autistic mothers experience sensory difficulties, communication challenges, stigma, and comorbidities as difficulties, but these studies have focused on autistic women in the perinatal period. The aim of this study was to examine reflections on motherhood from a Reddit community for autistic parents. Identified themes were Autistic Mothering is Different, Autistic Mothers Need Autistic Mothers, Autistic Mothers Experience Stigma, and Learnings from Lockdown. Findings extend existing research by offering insight into the ways autism impacts mothers beyond the perinatal period and have important implications for the future design and delivery of support services for autistic mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 01623257 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06312-7 |
