Social inequalities and diagnostic experiences of mothers raising children with autism in Greece

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this large qualitative study was to explore social inequalities in the diagnostic experiences of mothers raising at least one child with ASD in Greece. Method: Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with 75 mothers from three social class positions. A layered approach combining content analysis and template analysis was applied to the interview transcripts and revealed interesting similarities and differences among mothers from opposite social class positions. Results: The majority of mothers identified the same early signs of autism and shared similar emotional responses to the hearing of the diagnosis. Mothers with high credentials and petit bourgeoisie mothers offered more elaborate accounts of the early warning signs of ASD, obtained a timely diagnosis and had positive interactions with professionals after the diagnosis. In contrast, mothers from the working class provided confusing accounts of their child’s behavioral observations in the early years, and had experienced long delays and negative interactions with professionals during the diagnostic process. Conclusion: These findings highlight the need for developing supports and services, which will pay special attention to the differentiated maternal diagnostic experiences as a result of their social class position