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Autistic women's experience of motherhood : A qualitative analysis of Reddit
Thom-Jones, Sandra Melgaard, Imogen Gordon, Chloe S.
Thom-Jones, Sandra
Melgaard, Imogen
Gordon, Chloe S.
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.
Keywords
autism, autistic women, motherhood, peer support, Reddit
Date
2024
Type
Journal article
Journal
Book
Volume
Issue
Page Range
1-11
Article Number
ACU Department
Institute for Positive Psychology and Education
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts
Relation URI
Event URL
Open Access Status
License
All rights reserved
File Access
Controlled
Notes
© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature 2024