The effects of Autistic Spectrum Disorders (ASD) on attachment : experiences of mothers from diverse South African socio-economic groups.
Date
2013-04-02
Authors
Wortmann, Lorin
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Abstract
Attachment theory is concerned with the relational ‘tie’ that exists between a mother and her
child, which is said to play an imperative role in a child’s mental development and future
attachment relationships. Although there is extensive research on attachment theory on an
international scale, there is a paucity of information with regard to this in the South African
context.
The object of this study is to investigate mothers’ experiences of attachment with their child
who has an Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In addition this research aims to investigate
whether this attachment relationship between a mother and her ASD child differs, or is the
same across diverse socio-economic groups in the South African context.
This research was qualitative in nature, which elicited rich, descriptive and personal accounts
of mothers’ experiences of attachment with their ASD child across diverse socio-economic
groups. Twelve participants from advantaged and disadvantaged communities from
Johannesburg and the greater Johannesburg area were invited to participate in this study.
Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content
analysis. Seven themes emerged from this study which explored mothers’ experiences of
attachment with their ASD child. In addition, similarities and differences were found in
mothers experiences of attachment across the diverse socio-economic groups.