2023 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 71-83
A case study was conducted to examine the psychological adaptation process and support needs of a mother whose child was diagnosed with an autistic spectrum disorder in adolescence. Data were acquired from the records of sessions between the mother and a counselor and were analyzed using qualitative data analysis. The analysis of the records yielded 20 codes which were extracted and organized into seven conceptual categories. The emergence of the conceptual categories allowed the identification of three phases in the mother’s psychological adaptation process. The turning point was noted as the mother’s attainment of a new perspective of her child in Period II. The new outlook concerned her discovery of the child’s characteristics and individuality based on the recognition of the disability. This perception was triggered by the continued search for solutions regarding child-rearing from Period I and the sharing of experience and understanding of events with members of self-help groups in Period II. The mother was also encouraged to change her thought process in Period III.
