Toward an understanding of mothering: the care giving process of mothers with autistic children.

The purpose of this study was to explore the care-giving experience of mothers with autistic children. In this qualitative study, a focus group and in-depth interviews were conducted with mothers with an autistic child to uncover the nature of their mothering experience. Data were analyzed for themes with the constant comparison approach of grounded theory. Three themes emerged: (a) the perception about their disabled child; (b) their special concerns for caring for this child and (c) reclaiming and discovering self through understanding the meaning of mothering. The results can help health workers to gain a deeper understanding of the care-giving process for mothers with an autistic child and facilitate mothers to find the meaning of care and their well-being.