The impact of autism spectrum disorders on the family: A qualitative study of mothers’ perspectives

An estimated 730, 000 Americans younger than age 21 in the United States have an autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and current trends predict 36, 500 new diagnoses each year. Due to this rapid increase in ASD diagnoses, it is critical to understand the impact having a child with ASD has on a family's daily functioning to better coordinate services and design effective interventions. Qualitative semistructured interviews with eight mothers were conducted, and four primary themes emerged identifying primarily negative impacts of having a child with ASD. Implications for practice and future research are addressed to inform the development of best practices for families.