Klaipėdos universitetas

Data suggests an increasing trend in the detection of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in our country and abroad. Families raising children with this multifaceted, lifelong disorder face significant challenges in communication breakdown and maintaining social relationships, which make it difficult for ASD individuals and their families to successfully function and thrive in society. This article presents mothers’ experiences and sources of stress. A qualitative research approach was adopted to show the subjects’ experiences. Data was collected using focus groups, with open-ended, non-restrictive responses to questions according to the researcher’s intended areas of assessment. The results show a number of generalised semantic spaces related to the child’s own appearance and behaviour, fear of the future and the internalisation of negative attitudes, as well as to the challenges of social services and infrastructure and mothers’ professional activities.