Raising a Child with Autism: Perspectives from Arab-Muslim Mothers

Autism is increasing in prevalence and has become a global concern. Autism is defined by a number of behavioral characteristics. Because there are no definitive tests for autism, the diagnosis of autism may be affected by cultural variables. Cultural variables will affect the recognition and acceptance of the disability as well as the preferred treatments and expected outcomes. Cultural psychology considers the impact of cultural variables on behaviors and therefore provides a framework for understanding autism in diverse cultures. From this theoretical foundation, the current study used a phenomenological approach to identify themes from the lived experience of Arab-Muslim mothers of children with autism and to identify themes related to social behaviors that would help their children function more effectively in Arab-Muslim society. Implications of the findings include (a) a greater need for education and awareness about autism and (b) the importance of content indigenization of autism treatment programs.