Employment Experiences, Perspectives, and Wishes of Mothers of Children with Autism in the People’s Republic of China

Background The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences with and meaning of employment in the lives of mothers of children with autism in China. Materials and Methods This research used qualitative methods including open‐ended questionnaires and semi‐structured interviews with mothers of children with autism participating in an intervention program in Beijing. Results Mothers find employment outside the home appealing, but they also see their role of mother as requiring being responsible and often making sacrifices. Conclusions Mothers in this study make sacrifices in their own lives, including employment, in order to promote and provide intervention for their children with autism. These families had fewer services available to them than in many developed Western countries, and most services are at a cost to the parents. Considerations that Chinese mothers of children with autism make regarding their own employment situation are unique.