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Mothers of Autistic Children Suffer in the Workplace
As any working mom will tell you, balancing a family and a career can be a challenge. Kids’ dental visits, doctor’s appointments and school responsibilities often must be dealt with during business hours, creating a conflict between a mother’s personal and professional life. But when your child has autism, those conflicts can be more frequent and ultimately more costly to your career.
In a study by Researchers at Washington State University Vancouver, more than half the moms surveyed said they worked fewer hours in order to care for an autistic child. Three out of five had turned down jobs because of their family responsibilities. And one quarter reported turning down promotions and taking leaves of absence in order to care for an autistic child.
According to lead author of the study, Dana Baker, even in homes with two working parents, caring for an autistic child negatively impacts a mother’s career more than a father’s.
But while employers could work around the extra appointments and the conflicts they create, Baker says many don’t. Rather than accommodate, they reprimand. And considering the fact that as many as one in 150 children are affected by the neurological disorder, the study’s authors say this is an issue that can no longer be ignored.
“Understanding how to adapt programs and policies to better fit the more intractable challenges of these parents represents a vital responsibility of the twenty-first century.”
Of course, flexible workplaces would benefit all working parents, not just those who have children with special needs. But to those who might suggest that perhaps these moms would be better off if they just stayed home and cared for their autistic children full time, consider this: 60% of the mothers surveyed report having suffered financial difficulties in the past year. Clearly they need to work. And needing extra time to meet their children’s medical and emotional needs should not prevent them from meeting their financial needs as well.
Image: Chris. P/Flickr
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9 Comments
[...] Mothers of Autistic Children Suffer in the Workplace [...]
New York Antibullying Law Goes to Governor | Strollerderby commented on Jun 24 10 at 11:21 amTracy Lindsay commented on Jun 24 10 at 11:13 amHello Folks- I am a mom of a child with autism. I would like to respectfully as that you change the term from “autistic child” to “child with autism”. The child always comes first. Please think on this- do people say cancerous person? I know that example sounds harsh, but autistic child sounds harsh to me.
In the long run, it really makes a difference.
Thank you-
Tracy Lindsay
Mom
sandymaple commented on Jun 24 10 at 11:42 amTracy – thanks for your comment. I understand what you are saying and agree completely. I will be more careful in the future. – Sandy Maple
BlackOrchid commented on Jun 24 10 at 11:55 amI so agree with you Tracy! the term drives me batty too. such labeling!
Rosana commented on Jun 24 10 at 2:32 pmNot only sounds harsh is also incorrect to refer to them as autistic children. The correct term is child with autism. Speaking of the article I cannot image how difficult it has to be for moms to take care of their child with autism and also take care of a job. I work full-time and have two kids and there is no minute during the day that I can stop thinking about them and taking care of the family and home add more stress.
Leila commented on Jun 24 10 at 4:34 pmI have a child with autism and I don’t mind referring to him as “autistic”. That’s who he is, and it should not be considered an offensive thing. He’s autistic, and he’s wonderful.
hce1 commented on Jun 25 10 at 1:27 pmHi, I blog about growing up with an “autism spectrum” disorder on http://nldthoughtsandfeelings.wordpress.com. I’m so glad you wrote about the mothers of autistic children having more obstacles in work settings. So true that it’s a vital 21st century responsibility to make it way easier for parents with careers to be successful in both work and caring for children. The question is how to make it work policy-wise. Mothers, especially, must keep speaking out.
Pamela commented on Jun 04 11 at 10:42 pmMy son means everything to me. I just want someone to tell me a doctor; a therapist; who ever that my son who has autism will over come this thing; get a job; get married; and have a normal life. I could care less about lables; I know who he is and all the possibilities that are locked up inside him. I just want my son back! Can anybody tell me how to get him back?
christine ramos commented on Aug 22 11 at 1:35 amI am a mother of 6 year old pdd-nos child and a working mom too. Yes it is hard to do both. Sometimes you don’t know which one to accomplish first but i always choose my child. Whenever i feel down i just pray to God to help me fix everything from my boss to my child and He always make the impossible possible. About my son healing how I wish for him to grow up a normal life and able to finish school but I believe it will happen in God’s time and in His will. I just let God decide for my child though i still praying for the miracle healing. God bless to all parents of the special children.God is with us always. Just believe.
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