Social Support, Resilience and Wellbeing Among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Review

Abstract

Mothers caring for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) experience significant emotional, social, and psychological challenges. Social support and resilience have emerged as important factors influencing their wellbeing and ability to cope with caregiving demands. This review synthesizes existing literature from 2000 to 2025 to explore the role of social support , resilience and wellbeing in caregiving of mothers of children with ASD. Numerous peer-reviewed studies focusing on social support, resilience, and maternal wellbeing were selected for review. The literature consistently shows that greater social support and higher resilience are linked to reduced stress, improved mental health, and enhanced quality of life for mothers. Numerous international studies have highlighted the critical role of social support and resilience in reducing caregiver stress and improving psychological outcomes. While international studies provide robust evidence of these associations, research in India is limited. Available studies suggest that Indian mothers face additional challenges such as societal stigma, cultural expectations, and inadequate formal support systems, which influence their caregiving experience. It also reveals a critical need for more research focused on the Indian context to develop culturally sensitive interventions and policies that address the unique challenges faced by these mothers.