Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the lived experiences of women whose child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Punjab, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were used in a qualitative study approach to collect detailed information. Five mothers of children with autism made up the sample; they were chosen using non-probability purposive sampling from rural areas of Punjab. This study aims to comprehend the everyday struggles these moms encounter, the effects of raising a child with ASD on their personal and familial lives, and the coping mechanisms they use to deal with related social and psychological issues. Iterative coding and the creation of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) were used in data analysis to find important patterns in the tales. Results show that, in addition to trying to uphold their domestic responsibilities, moms of children with ASD experience severe social isolation, stigma, and emotional suffering. Despite these obstacles, individuals showed resilience by using community resources, self-care practices, and support systems. The study emphasizes the necessity for specialized support services by highlighting the intricate interactions between mom and ASD children in a culturally particular setting.