Raising a deaf child and a child with ASD from the mother’s perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

 The aim of the article is an attempt to learn about the subjective experiences of mothers related to the impact of the pandemic on the essence of raising a child with communication disorders, in this case a deaf child and a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Addressing this issue is important from the scientific point of view due to the important role of the process of bringing up a child and its perception by mothers of children with communication disorders. The article examines the role of the family, and addresses the deficit of empirical research and scientific studies on upbringing and parenting issues affecting mothers of children with communication disorders. The work uses the method of individual case study, as well as the technique of narrative interview and in-depth individual interview. Ten mothers participated in the study: five mothers of deaf children and five mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The analysis revealed three significant areas indicated by mothers related to upbringing issues . The first area concerned upbringing as a process of supporting the development of their children, the second - the process of shaping desired social attitudes, and the third - dealing with threats caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.