Navigating Through the Path of Struggle and Building Resilience of Adversity: Lived Experiences of Mothers Having Children With Autism in the West Bank, Palestine
Date
2025-12-15
Authors
Bashaer Al-Natsheh
Asma Imam
Maha Sudki Hmeidan Nahal
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
springer Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is globally increasing in prevalence. It presents significant challenges,
particularly for mothers of children with autism. While extensive research has examined the lived experiences of
these mothers in various global contexts, the gap remains in understanding this phenomenon in Palestine, particularly in
the West Bank. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of mothers of children with ASD, shedding light on their
struggles, challenges, and coping mechanisms.
Methods A qualitative phenomenological hermeneutics design was employed, recruiting sixteen mothers purposively
including mothers from various age groups, educational backgrounds, and residential areas across different districts in the
West Bank to ensure a diverse sample. Data were collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews between February and
April 2024. The interviews were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutics approach to uncover and interpret the
meaning of the mothers’ experiences.
Results The lived experience of mothers of children with Autism was conveyed in ten subthemes. These subthemes were
formulated in condensed descriptions to assemble these three themes: difficult and overwhelming experiences, caregiving
challenging and burden, and building resilience.
Conclusion There is a great need for more comprehensive healthcare and social systems that prioritize the unique needs of
families with children with autism in the West Bank. Policies and programs should focus on increasing autism awareness,
improving access to specialized services, and providing psychological and financial support to mothers and caregivers.
Keywords Mothers · Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) · Phenomenological hermeneutics · Qualitative · Live
experience · Palestine
Description
Palestine, mothers face additional challenges due to the lack
of evidence-based services, shortage of qualified diagnosing
professionals, and delayed diagnoses, which can keep them
confused and less satisfied (Shawahneh, 2021). Therefore,
listening to the voices of Palestinian mothers of children
with ASD is crucial for understanding their unique challenges,
cultural context, and the support they need. Parents
of children with ASD reported a significant shift in their
roles and responsibilities following the diagnosis of their
child (Papadopoulos, 2021). In particular, the mothers of
these children were found to be exhausted as they dedicated
substantial time to caring for their children and teaching
them various life skills to support their independence and
quality of life. The heavy caring responsibilities contribute
to sleep disturbances fatigue, headache, anorexia, and palpitations
among these mothers (Rafii et al., 2024). It also
impacts their emotional well-being throughout their parenting
journey (DesChamps et al., 2020).
Keywords
Citation
Al-Natsheh, B., Imam, A., & Nahal, M. S. H. (2025). Navigating Through the Path of Struggle and Building Resilience of Adversity: Lived Experiences of Mothers Having Children With Autism in the West Bank, Palestine. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 1-12.