Autism is characterized as a behavioral syndrome that affects social interaction, communication and behavior. Adolescence is a stage in which biological and psychological changes occur that may trigger difficulties and conflicts. Studies have shown that young autistic difficulties encountered during this period are more pronounced. The research aimed to investigate the experiences of mothers of young people with autism, trying to identify their initial reactions to the diagnosis of autism; to know the daily routines of the youngster and his family, identifying the difficulties they face during adolescence and the mothers' expectations about the future of the youngster with autism. A qualitative methodology research was carried out using semi-structured interviews as a tool to collect data. The participants were eleven mothers of youngsters with autism. Data were recorded, transcribed and categorized, and subsequently analyzed using content analyses techniques. Results showed that the diagnosis of autism was given comprehensively, emphasizing the difficulties in the child development. The mothers changed their daily routine in order to assume full care for the child. Difficulties with the child's socialization led some of the mothers to avoid social meetings and also the need to deal with the prejudice against the child. The sexual maturation of the youngster was mentioned as a major difficulty due to the mothers lack of information in how to deal with it and to whom to turn to for guidance. The aggressiveness had increased with the phase of adolescence and was reported as another difficulty that reinforced isolation and prejudice.
Autism; adolescence; mothers