ISHIKAWA, Bianca Garcia. A look at the caregivers: the emotional experiences of mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder facing the diagnostic process. 2025. 134 p. Dissertation (Master’s) – São Paulo State University (UNESP), Faculty of Sciences and Letters, Assis.
Available on: https://repositorio.unesp.br/server/api/core/bitstreams/fe46ec57-854c-478e-93d7-8a66274e7144/content
Abstract: The change in nomenclature from “autism” to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), along with modifications to the diagnostic criteria, has resulted to a significant increase in the issuance of reports confirming this diagnosis. Consequently, an increasing number of families are undergoing the diagnostic process. Among family members, it is generally the mothers who assume the greatest responsibility, both in the diagnostic journey and in the daily care of their children. This maternal centrality can be attributed to socially constructed gender roles historically assigned to women, the higher incidence of divorce in families of children diagnosed with ASD, as well as the tendency to blame mothers—fueled by certain theories that seek to explain the etiology of the disorder. In this context, the present study aims to understand the emotional experiences evoked in mothers following the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in their children. To achieve this, a qualitative approach was adopted, grounded in psychoanalytic theory and structured as a multiple case study. The instruments used were semi-structured individual interviews and the Thematic Drawing-and-Story Procedure. The research was conducted at the Centro de Atendimento Educacional Especializado – Fênix – Educação para Autistas “Wlamir Carlos de Oliveira”, an institution that functions as a multifunctional resource room in the municipality of Assis, São Paulo state. Four mothers participated in the study, each with a child up to six years old who had been diagnosed with ASD and was enrolled in the institution. The results reveal the difficulties these mothers face in accessing and processing their emotions, due to feelings of loneliness and the overload of responsibilities and daily tasks. Furthermore, it was observed that one of the ways these women cope with their children’s diagnosis is through the processing of a mourning process. In light of this, it is suggested that actions focused on listening to and providing emotional support to these mothers be developed, since—beyond their caregiving roles—they too are in need of care.