本研究的主要目的為探討自閉症兒童母親之照顧經驗。本研究根據質性研究的紮根理論(grounded theory)研究法,透過參與性觀察與深入訪談共九位自閉症兒童母親,以深入瞭解自閉症兒童母親之照顧經驗。本研究結果呈現自閉症兒童母親之照顧經驗的理論模型。依紮根理論研究法原則下,以理論性抽樣來進行資料收集,並採開放、主軸及選擇性譯碼,及持續不斷的比較方法進行質性資料的分析。 依據研究結果發現自閉症兒童母親因非預期的狀況、無法掌控的疾病狀態、疾病污名化、社會的刻板印象、家屬的支持不足與認同感不足以及孩子特殊行為所帶來的影響等造成在母親照顧歷程中遭遇極大的挫折與困境。然而,社會支持在其照顧煎熬中將會影響自閉症兒童母親採取之因應策略,進而改善其照顧歷程的結果。依據本研究結果,研究者針對臨床實務、政府政策與未來研究提出幾點建議,期許能夠協助自閉症兒童母親在照顧過程中更加的順遂且走出傷痛。
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of mothers in the care of their infantile autism. A qualitative research approach, grounded theory, was used in this study to enhance the understanding of these experiences. Participant observations and in-depth interviews were conducted with 9 persons with the mothers of infantile autism to gain insight into the experiences of their to look after experience. In keeping with the tenets of grounded theory, theoretical sampling was used together with the constant comparative method of data collection and analysis in addition to open, axial, and selective coding. A theoretical model delineating the experiences of mothers in the care of their infantile autism. This study found that those persons with self-closing mother were faced a great difficulty in the process of their to look which resulted from the unexpected situation, unable to control the illness state, the stigma of illness, social stereotype of illness, lack of family support or receptivity, and some special behavior of illness. However, social supports emerged as the most important category that influenced their strategies to manage this difficulty, which will then influenced the consequences of look after. Based on the findings of this study, several recommendation were made for healthcare and education practice, government policy, and future study in hopes of helping those persons with the mother look after of autistic process.