Exploring challenges and support structures of mothers with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the United Arab Emirates.
Developmental disabilities
Diagnosis
Middle East
Pandemic
Support Groups
Journal
Research in developmental disabilities
ISSN: 1873-3379
Titre abrégé: Res Dev Disabil
Pays: United States
ID NLM: 8709782
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
Jan 2022
Jan 2022
Historique:
received:
28
06
2021
revised:
18
10
2021
accepted:
22
11
2021
pubmed:
6
12
2021
medline:
5
1
2022
entrez:
5
12
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Mothers with children with ASD, often being primary caregivers, experience high levels of parenting stress and hold essential information about their children's wellbeing. There is however lack of information about their experiences in the UAE. The study aims to explore challenges and support structures of mothers with children with ASD in the UAE. 17 expat mothers (Age Thematic analysis showed that initially most mothers struggled with accessing information to seek correct diagnoses, admission in mainstream international schools with typically developing children, and finding appropriate therapeutic services. Several mothers narrated experiences of not receiving optimum support from their partners, feeling rejected from extended family members, and facing hardships during the pandemic. Majority however appeared to be extremely satisfied with support groups where they felt heard and exchanged experience-based information crucial for children's wellbeing. Findings highlight the need for the government to facilitate centralized channels of information for expat parents with children with developmental disabilities, formalizing more support groups for mothers in the UAE, and increasing knowledge about autism to decrease biases.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Mothers with children with ASD, often being primary caregivers, experience high levels of parenting stress and hold essential information about their children's wellbeing. There is however lack of information about their experiences in the UAE.
AIMS
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to explore challenges and support structures of mothers with children with ASD in the UAE.
METHODS AND PROCEDURES
METHODS
17 expat mothers (Age
OUTCOMES AND RESULTS
RESULTS
Thematic analysis showed that initially most mothers struggled with accessing information to seek correct diagnoses, admission in mainstream international schools with typically developing children, and finding appropriate therapeutic services. Several mothers narrated experiences of not receiving optimum support from their partners, feeling rejected from extended family members, and facing hardships during the pandemic. Majority however appeared to be extremely satisfied with support groups where they felt heard and exchanged experience-based information crucial for children's wellbeing.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
CONCLUSIONS
Findings highlight the need for the government to facilitate centralized channels of information for expat parents with children with developmental disabilities, formalizing more support groups for mothers in the UAE, and increasing knowledge about autism to decrease biases.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34864432
pii: S0891-4222(21)00287-0
doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104138
pii:
doi:
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
104138Informations de copyright
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