Exploring The Coping Strategies Adopted by Mothers of Autistic Children

Abstract

This study explores the coping strategies adopted by mothers of autistic children, who often face complex caregiving demands related to behavioral challenges, communication differences, and developmental needs. Using a quantitative approach, the research examines problem-focused, emotion-focused, social support–seeking and avoidance-based coping among a sample of mothers caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Descriptive statistics were used to identify commonly used coping patterns, while logistic regression was applied to determine associations between coping strategies and emotional difficulty. Findings indicate that mothers frequently rely on problem-solving and social support, although emotion-focused strategies such as prayer and reflection are also widely practiced. Avoidance-based coping, including denial and withdrawal, emerged as a significant predictor of elevated emotional difficulty. The study highlights the need for targeted support services and interventions that strengthen adaptive coping and reduce reliance on maladaptive patterns among mothers of autistic children.