The employment status and managerial challenges of mothers in two-parent families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

This study sought to examine the managerial challenges and employment decisions of themothers in two-parent families whose children have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (autism). Specifically, how does the presence of a child diagnosed with autism relate to a mothers choice to pursue employment outside the home in two-parent families and what factors are associated with making this decision? What are the managerial challenges brought about by having a child diagnosed with autism in two-parent families? Data were collected through semistructured interviews with mothers of children diagnosed with autism in two-parent families in Georgia. Twelve interviews were conducted and through content analysis four themes werediscovered: employment sacrifice, high time costs of therapies, lack of affordable or available services and insurance coverage, and the need for financial and legal services.