Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to clarify the difficulties experienced by mothers of children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), their psychological support needs and the support apparatus available to them.
Methods: Ten mothers raising a child with PDD responded to semi-structured interviews. Interview data were analyzed qualitatively.
Results: The results of the analysis were as follows: 1) Five categories of difficulties were identified: [Burden due to a lack of adequate medical services and special education at home], [Daily tension due to the pressure of keeping house, raising children, providing special training for children and supporting the child's educational needs], [Struggle to find the optimal way to raise the child], [Long-lasting emotional instability due to continuous worries about the child's future], and [Worries and stress about the child's school life]. 2)Six categories of psychological support they are receiving and they need were identified: [Support through the understanding and advice of family members, friends and the community], [Inadequate support from family members and friends], [Need for more psychological support], [Spending time away from providing care for the child], [Hopes by recognizing the child's strengths], and [Need for support for the child that focuses on his or her strengths].
Conclusion: The present findings suggest the necessity of psychological support for mothers of children with PDD from professionals who have knowledge and skills related to PDD and providing psychological support, and offering support for the child that aims to reinforce his or her strengths together with psychological support for the mother.
