Maternal Identity Construction and Experiences: European American Mothers Who Have Children With Autism

This research project is about mothers of children with autism. Interviews were conducted with 12 different mothers, and were carefully transcribed and analyzed. The focus of the research is on the way that they see themselves as mothers, either good, ambivalent, or self-critical, in regards to their child's disability. Three components which are looked at are primary caregiver status, degree of sacrifice for the child, and role as advocates.