Abstract:
TSA does not only affect the child, but the whole family as
well. This qualitative study explored the impact of TSA on the relationship
between parents and their neuropsychiatric children and how neurotic
children deal with the impact of having an autistic brother in the family.
Using the principles of social relationship theory, 5 families in Romania,
consisting of 5 mothers and 5 neurotic children, were interviewed. Both
neurotic mothers and children were seen as equal agents in influencing
interactions with each, and contributed to maintaining close relationships
through different strategies. The findings have shown that having an autistic
child in the family imposes certain additional constraints and
responsibilities for family members. Despite this, neurotic children have
coped well with such constraints. The data highlights the value of
considering both agents, mothers and neurotic children, and how it
influences the two-way one, while sharing the role of carer for the autistic
child in the family. It is highly recommended for practitioners to
incorporate elements of the child's capacity when increasing their scope for
work in neuropsychiatric psychological interventions.
