title: Raising a child with disability and dealing with life events: a mother's journey.
abstract: Intellectual disability services recognise people with intellectual disability as a family member and aim to provide effective support that facilitates family cohesion. However, the needs of families and individuals within the family should be addressed in a holistic manner to ensure a seamless service. This article outlines a mother's reflections on her experience of raising a child with autism spectrum disorder and its impact on her life. The article focuses on one mother's feelings, coping or lack of coping and growth during a time of sadness. This article written by a mother, nurse and academic through their shared interest in supporting families of children with a disability all came together to tell this story. It is hoped that this article will assist professionals understand a mother's perspective when raising a child with intellectual disability and support professionals to recognise the importance of listening, coordinated support and working in partnership.
authors.affiliation: Ennis, County Clare, Ireland.
authors.forename: Tina
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: Maeve
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: O'Halloran
authors.forename: Owen
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Doody
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000451:nursing*; D019988:Children with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009034:Mother-Child Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*
keywords: autism spectrum disorder; coping; families; listening; mother