Navigating Through the Path of Struggle and Building Resilience of Adversity: Lived Experiences of Mothers Having Children With Autism in the West Bank, Palestine
| dc.contributor.author | Bashaer Al-Natsheh | |
| dc.contributor.author | Asma Imam | |
| dc.contributor.author | Maha Sudki Hmeidan Nahal | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-01-31T20:53:38Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-01-31T20:53:38Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025-12-15 | |
| dc.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). | |
| dc.description.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 | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | PARC Palestinian american research center | |
| dc.identifier.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. | |
| dc.identifier.issn | Electronic/Online ISSN (E-ISSN): 1573-3432 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://dspace.alquds.edu/handle/20.500.12213/10522 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | springer Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders | |
| dc.relation.ispartofseries | not available; DOI: 10.1007/s10803-025-07179-y | |
| dc.title | Navigating Through the Path of Struggle and Building Resilience of Adversity: Lived Experiences of Mothers Having Children With Autism in the West Bank, Palestine | |
| dc.type | Article |