From Mother to Disability Professional: Role Change, Resilience, and Rewards

This qualitative research study examined professional mothers' views about their employment in the. field of early intervention, their roles with other families, and the place such employment has in their lives. Fourteen mothers working in the field of early intervention after having children with disabilities were interviewed. We examined their experiences with, reactions to, and views of their employment situation and its relationship to adaptation and coping. Factors that influenced these views also were examined. Four themes were identified: (a) benefits of listening and sharing, (b) impact of personal experiences on career and credibility with clients, (c) impact of career on personal and professional growth, and (d) recognition of mothers' expertise by professionals. Implications for families and state and local early intervention service delivery systems are discussed.