Living with Autism

The mothers of twenty-five Irish autistic children were interviewed at home. The aim was to elucidate the problems which arise in the rearing of autistic children. A guided interview was used to collect the information which was recorded on tape. The findings illustrate the extent to which the lives of the families are affected. Topics considered are (1) those aspects relating to the management of the autistic child, such as feeding, toilet-training, dressing, sleeping and bed-time behaviour, play and general discipline; and (2) the effects which the handicapped child has on the rest of the family, for example, behaviour of siblings, social contacts, shopping and outings, holidays, mothers’ health and attitudes to subsequent pregnancies.