Co-Director Kathryn Emerick, MD
photo: Jamie Manser
Mothers with autism can face unique challenges in their experience of motherhood, particularly early motherhood which is rife with sensory overload and constant change. The environment of infancy is sensorily intense- from crying children, beeping toys and electronics to the intense smells that accompany diaper changes and spitting up and the sensations of breastfeeding and pumping. There are also frequent schedule changes throughout the first year of an infant’s life- changes in naptime, feeding schedule, transitioning from breast milk or formula to solid foods, changes in motor capabilities. The intensity and change can be overwhelming for some mothers with autism, making it extra challenging to manage caregiving responsibilities while staying emotionally regulated. Additionally, as in with PMADs, these mothers may experience a sense of isolation, as societal expectations of “typical” motherhood may not align with their own experience.
Asking a perinatal patient with autism what their experience has been like and what they need support in can lead to thoughtful, patient centered interventions. Some mothers benefit from social skills training and sensory regulation strategies- for example, using ear plugs that attenuate but do not block out noise may be helpful for mothers feeling overwhelmed by sounds. Other mothers appreciate being provided with detailed information on developmental stages, which can allow them to anticipate changes routines and create a plan in advance to accommodate these changes. It is also often helpful to connect patients with support networks, including autism-specific support, therapy and parenting groups. These groups can provide both emotional support and practical strategies from peer communities.
It is important to note that while mothers with autism may struggle in some areas, they can also possess unique strengths in their parenting. The ability to focus on specific details, having an honest and direct approach in communication, and having a capacity for strong, consistent routines can provide a stable and nurturing environment for their children and support deep connections in their families.
References
- Hayes, S. A., & Watson, S. L. (2013). The impact of autism spectrum disorder on the family: A review of the literature. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 43(6), 1218-1227.
- Kinnear, S. H., & Cameron, L. (2017). Autism and motherhood: A phenomenological study of women with autism spectrum disorders and their experiences of parenting. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 47(9), 2660-2670.
- Krajewski, A. S., & Sayer, L. B. (2017). Autism and family life: The challenges and strengths of parenting a child with autism. Autism Parenting Magazine.