Abstract:
The diagnosis of a chronic condition in the family tends to move intra- and extra-family relationships. In the Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) case, this movement tends to occur significantly with maternal bonds, since mothers are often referred as the main caregivers of children with this diagnosis. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of the ASD diagnosis on significant maternal social networks and how mothers signify these implications. Twelve mothers of children diagnosed with ASD in childhood participated, with whom reflective interviews were carried out and two maps of significant social networks, one before and one after the ASD, were constructed. Data analysis was performed by using Grounded Theory. At the beginning of the interview, it was possible to observe that most participants reported the feeling of having no support, expressing helplessness. However, throughout the mapping process, a relevant change was noticed in the mothers’ discourse, who recognized and were surprised by the presence of important members in their social networks, although, in their perspective, they do not provide them the necessary support. Therefore, the importance of activating the mothers’ significant social networks is highlighted, as well as the instrumentalization of these networks so that they can be effectively present and provide support, emphasizing the important role of health and education professionals in this scenario. Finally, the network map is pointed out as a powerful clinical and research tool.
Key-words:
Autism; Global Developmental Disorders; Social Networks; Motherhood