“No One Could Calm Him Down”: Mothers’ Experience of Autism Diagnosis and Obtainment of Resources in an Urban Public School District

Authors

Norah L. Johnson, Marquette UniversityFollow
Phonethip Sangasy, Marquette University
Karen Marie Robinson, Marquette UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

9-2020

Publisher

American Psychological Association

Source Publication

Families, Systems, & Health

Source ISSN

1091-7527

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of accessing autism diagnosis and resources in a Midwest urban public school district for diverse mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Method: We employed thematic analysis using narrative inquiry methodology to analyze the data from 9 mothers (n = 5 African American, n = 2 Hispanic, and n = 2 White) who participated in a focus group. Results: Three themes were identified by the researchers: (a) late medical diagnosis (subthemes: problems that parents didn’t perceive as signs of autism spectrum disorder, making comparisons to other siblings or children), (b) negative communication experiences (subthemes: husband and wife, parent and educational professionals), and (c) coping strategies (subthemes: resources, prayer). Discussion: The mothers’ narratives indicated a strong need for advocacy and parent–school partnership.

Comments

Accepted version. Families, Systems, & Health, Vol. 38, No. 3 (September 2020): 255-264. DOI. © 2020 American Psychiatric Association. Used with permission.

Recommended Citation

Johnson, Norah L.; Sangasy, Phonethip; and Robinson, Karen Marie, "“No One Could Calm Him Down”: Mothers’ Experience of Autism Diagnosis and Obtainment of Resources in an Urban Public School District" (2020). College of Nursing Faculty Research and Publications. 803.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/nursing_fac/803