![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Schedule:
Thursday, January 15, 2026
Marquis BR 6, ML 2 (Marriott Marquis Washington DC)
* noted as presenting author
Background: Despite the South Asian region comprising over one-fifth of the global populations, the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), in this region remains understudied. For example, Bangladesh is believed to have a high prevalence of ASD, however, no official national data on autism rates currently exist. Limited knowledge and widespread stigma contribute to underreporting. This overarching stigma associated with autism impacts both individuals with autism and families. In a traditional Bangladeshi society, mothers are typically the primary caregiver role for children with ASD and their lived experiences of caring for children with autism has not been explored.. The present study aims to understand what forms of stigma mothers encounter at the family and community level, and how mothers navigate the emotional challenges associated with raising children with autism in a stigmatized social environment.
Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the research aims. A sample of 9 mothers were recruited as participants through snowball sampling at three schools in Bangladesh that serve children with autism. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with participants using a semi-structured interview guide that asked questions regarding their lived experiences related to raising their child with autism, including stigma and strategies for navigating stigma. Transcribed transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Major findings include differences in family-level and community-level stigma. At the family level, mothers of children with ASD were frequently portray with suspicion and latent blame. Relatives tend to believe that a mother's sin is accountable for the consequences of children with ASD. Relatives avoid engaging with children with ASD or providing support for mothers. The lack of instrumental and emotional family support led to family conflict, resulting in separation from extended family members. Community-level stigma including mocking and gossip, and isolation of the child and family. Themes related to mothers navigating the profound stress they experience in the socially stigmatized environment included: persistent stress and mental burden, feeling of pain, isolation, helplessness, repentance and acceptance, embarrassment and social withdrawal. Themes related to navigating these emotional challenges were resilience, spiritual faith and self-sacrifice.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings of the study reveal the widespread presence of social stigma and its profound impact on the emotional well-being of mothers raising children with autism in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted social policies and mental health support in Bangladesh, culturally responsive support for mothers of children with ASD. Government and non-government organizations should prioritize awareness and sensitization campaigns to reduce stigma, besides family-centered interventions that actively support mothers' caregiving roles. Future research is needed to explore the role of social workers in supporting Bangladeshi mothers, including counseling, ensuring the voice and needs of mothers are recognized in policy development, and service delivery, as well as research into appropriate community-level interventions to reduce social stigma related to ASD.
Methods: This study used a qualitative phenomenological approach to explore the research aims. A sample of 9 mothers were recruited as participants through snowball sampling at three schools in Bangladesh that serve children with autism. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with participants using a semi-structured interview guide that asked questions regarding their lived experiences related to raising their child with autism, including stigma and strategies for navigating stigma. Transcribed transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Major findings include differences in family-level and community-level stigma. At the family level, mothers of children with ASD were frequently portray with suspicion and latent blame. Relatives tend to believe that a mother's sin is accountable for the consequences of children with ASD. Relatives avoid engaging with children with ASD or providing support for mothers. The lack of instrumental and emotional family support led to family conflict, resulting in separation from extended family members. Community-level stigma including mocking and gossip, and isolation of the child and family. Themes related to mothers navigating the profound stress they experience in the socially stigmatized environment included: persistent stress and mental burden, feeling of pain, isolation, helplessness, repentance and acceptance, embarrassment and social withdrawal. Themes related to navigating these emotional challenges were resilience, spiritual faith and self-sacrifice.
Conclusion and Implications
The findings of the study reveal the widespread presence of social stigma and its profound impact on the emotional well-being of mothers raising children with autism in Bangladesh. These findings underscore the urgent need for targeted social policies and mental health support in Bangladesh, culturally responsive support for mothers of children with ASD. Government and non-government organizations should prioritize awareness and sensitization campaigns to reduce stigma, besides family-centered interventions that actively support mothers' caregiving roles. Future research is needed to explore the role of social workers in supporting Bangladeshi mothers, including counseling, ensuring the voice and needs of mothers are recognized in policy development, and service delivery, as well as research into appropriate community-level interventions to reduce social stigma related to ASD.