The Positives of Caregiving: Mothers’ Experiences Caregiving for a Child with Autism

Abstract

Most research in the field of autism focuses on the medical and psychological characteristics of the disability. Research that focuses on caregiving emphasizes the stresses and pathological features associated with having a child with autism. As such, the more positive aspects of caregiving have been left in abeyance, portraying caregiving and autism as characterized by only negative experiences, prognoses, and outcomes. Based on mothers’ reflections, this article reports on some of the positives of caregiving. The findings provide a glimpse into a seldom studied side of caregiving–-events and experiences appraised by mothers in a positive and sometimes joyous light–-and the impact they have on mothers’ experiences. Furthermore, practical implications for social service professionals and families are discussed.