The family of a child with autism : a case study
Date
2001
Authors
Davis-Jones, Tanya Marie
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Abstract
In the present study, the experiences of mothers, nondisabled siblings and fathers of children with autism are examined using ethnographic interview techniques. The purpose of this research was to describe the nature of the 'experience' of being a member of a family when a child with autism is part of the family constellation. A total of 6 families participated in the study. The interview transcripts were analyzed for the presence of themes. Common themes were identified across mothers, nondisabled siblings and fathers including the presence of verbal/physical aggression in the child with autism, and coping mechanisms and social issues (i .e. acceptance/rejection in public and at home) that developed in response to the aggression displayed by the children with autism. Although there appeared to be a common experience of the presence of a child with autism across participants, themes that were distinctive to mothers, nondisabled siblings and fathers were also identified.