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Autism, Vol. 10, No. 5, 463-479 (2006)
DOI: 10.1177/1362361306066600

Mothers' attributions following their child's diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder

Exploring links with maternal levels of stress,depression and expectations about their child's future

Emily Dale

Andrew Jahoda

University of Glasgow,UK

Fiona Knott

University of Reading,UK

Although the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) on the family is well recognized, the way mothers attempt to make sense of the diagnosis is largely unexplored. However, in other disabilities, attributions have been shown to predict a variety of outcomes including maternal wellbeing and engagement in treatment. Using Weiner's (1985) three-dimensional model, 16 mothers were interviewed to examine the nature and impact of their beliefs about their child's ASD using semi-structured interviews and measures of depression, parenting stress and expectations for their child's future. The findings suggested that mothers made a diverse and complex range of attributions that were consistent with Weiner's dimensions of locus of cause, stability and controllability. The nature of their attributions reflected particular difficulties associated with ASDs, such as uncertainties regarding cause and prognosis. Taking account of mothers' search for meaning will better enable professionals to support families following diagnosis.

Key Words: attributions • autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) • mothers


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Home page
 Qual Health ResHome page
R. L. Woodgate, C. Ateah, and L. Secco
Living in a World of Our Own: The Experience of Parents Who Have a Child With Autism
Qual Health Res, August 1, 2008; 18(8): 1075 - 1083.
[Abstract] [PDF]