Maternidade azul: percepção de mães acerca do transtorno do espectro autista.

Abstract

This study aimed to understand the meaning of motherhood for mothers of children/adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is a descriptive study with qualitative approach, with exploratory-descriptive characteristics. It was held in October at the Autistic Parents and Friends Association. The sample obtained and presented in the study consisted of 10 mothers. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview, through a script prepared by the researchers, with objective and subjective questions, which were asked by the participating researcher, for greater accuracy in data recording at the interview, the interviewees were asked to authorize the recording of the conversation, made through Android™ recording system. The objective questions were organized and presented. The subjective answers were processed by the IRAMUTEQ software and submitted to the thematic content analysis. The research keeped respecting the ethical and legal aspects presented in Resolution Nº 466/12. From the analysis of the speeches emerged 5 thematic categories, in which according to the mothers the diagnosis of autism is configured as something impacting and challenging and is permeated by a set of diferents sensations and feelings that can modify family relationships, impacting on its dynamics, besides it was observed that the mothers do not have a deep understanding on the subject, attributing to the autism spectrum disorder, meanings as difficulties, suffering and challenges. This study can contribute to promote a reflection and a greater knowledge about the possible implications of the diagnosis of autism for the experience of motherhood, requiring treatment for the patient with autism that involves the needs of the child and also the needs of the family as they experience stress and lack of a social support network.