Need Assessment of Mothers With Autistic Children

Autism disorder with a prevalence of 5 cases per 10,000 is very stressful for parents. This study evaluates psychol-ogical needs of mothers of autistic children. Thirteen mothers from two rehabilitation and education center for autistic children were interviewed. Answers were coded and organized.Almost all of them reacted to disorder with denial, confusion, anger and depression.Some of the mothers due to presence of psysical and behavioral problems, or having similar cases in relatives, reacted more adaptive.They believed eduction and support by doctors who diagnose the disorder could decrease their suffereing.They also reported some other stresses such as stigmatization, blaming moth-ers as being responsible for disorder, comparing affected child with others, and ambivalancy about efficacy for education and rehabilitation of their child which leads to problems in their family and social performance and depression. In conclusion, it seems that health care system staff would provide supplemental assurance and social support. Education and social support system are very important factors which might be helpful to these mothers.