title: Exploratory Study of Childbearing Experiences of Women With Asperger Syndrome.
abstract: Increasing numbers of girls have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome and other autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) over the past two decades; therefore, more women with ASDs are entering the childbearing phase of their lives. Little is known about the childbearing experiences of women with ASDs. This qualitative study describes the childbearing experiences of eight women with Asperger syndrome. Four major themes emerged: Processing Sensations, Needing to Have Control, Walking in the Dark, and Motherhood on My Own Terms. Clinicians can provide sensitive, individualized care by asking women with Asperger syndrome about their specific sensory experiences, counseling them about coping strategies for sensory intrusions, providing targeted support, and modifying the clinical environment to decrease distressing stimuli.
authors.affiliation: Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ.
authors.forename: Marcia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gardner
authors.affiliation: Rutgers University in Camden, NJ. Electronic address: suplee@camden.rutgers.edu.
authors.forename: Patricia D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Suplee
authors.affiliation: Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bloch
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lecks
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D020817:Asperger Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Asperger syndrome; autism; autism spectrum disorders; childbearing; pregnancy experience