Abstract
Research on experiences of mothers with children living with autism spectrum
disorder (ASD) has predominantly focused on psychological distress and caregiving
burdens, presenting deficit-centred narratives which inadequately capture other complex
narratives of single mothers.
Objectives: This study explored the experiences of a South African single mother, Buhle, in
raising a daughter with ASD, focusing on resilience development and acceptance within
cultural contexts where ASD and her social status are misunderstood. The study adopts
neurodiversity theory and the concept of resilience as its conceptual framework.
Method: Employing an interpretivism paradigm and a single case study research design, data
were collected through semi-structured and unstructured interviews. Ethics approval was
obtained from the University of Johannesburg. Buhle provided informed consent, allowing
her information to be used for research.
Results: Narrative analysis was used to delve deeply into Buhle’s personal and emotional
experiences. These narrative themes emerged: navigating the initial trauma of prognosis and
diagnosis, building a network of understanding, managing resources without shared
responsibilities and transforming challenges to empowerment through social networking,
education and advocacy.
Conclusion: The findings challenge deficit narratives by revealing how some single mothers
can foster resilience despite significant challenges in raising neurodivergent children in an
African cultural context. The South African government’s provision of social and economic
support also partly enables resilience.
Contribution: Community-based initiatives should boost public awareness and alleviate the
cultural stigma surrounding neurodevelopmental conditions; prioritise resilience, strategy
sharing, and advocacy to empower single mothers from survival to empowerment. Public
healthcare support services must be improved.