The study highlights the need for better social support and services for families with autistic children. Improved social services can ease some of the burdens on mothers and help share family responsibilities more equally. Many mothers currently feel limited by a lack of outside support and resources. By improving public services and workplace policies, families can become stronger. This would help parents keep their jobs while caring for their children.


Portland State University

Have you ever thought about what it's like to balance work and raising a child with autism, especially in a complex society like China? This study looks at the challenges that Chinese working mothers face when caring for autistic children. Through observations and interviews, you can learn how these women manage their jobs while also being caregivers. Discover the emotional, social, and economic factors that affect their choice to continue working or stay home and the strategies they use to succeed in both roles. 

Working Mothers’ Family-work Conflict and Care Decisions in Chinese Families of Children with Autism

Zhang, W., Bjørnstøl, E., Ding, P., Gao, W., Liu, H., & Liu, Y. (2023). Disability, Sexuality, and Gender in Asia. In Routledge eBooks. Taylor & Francis. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003170297

Disability, Sexuality, and Gender in Asia

Autism is a lifelong developmental condition that creates unique challenges in China. Cultural and family expectations add extra pressure on families. The number of people with autism may exceed 10 million, and mothers often take on the main caregiving role. This responsibility is made harder by social pressures and limited government support services. The economic and emotional stress on families is significant, causing many mothers to change their careers or quit working altogether. The lack of strong support systems and traditional views on family roles make these issues even more difficult, showing the need for better policies and changes in society in China.

Autism in China's Cultural and Economic Context

Chinese mothers of autistic children face many challenges as they try to balance work and family. They often struggle with the decision to keep working or leave their jobs to focus on family life. This choice depends on their need for money and their desire for personal fulfillment. Receiving an autism diagnosis for their child can create stress and disrupt family dynamics, leading these mothers to reconsider their career options. This decision affects family roles and their mental health. Understanding this issue is key to seeing the daily struggles these mothers encounter as they navigate between their work goals and family responsibilities.

The Challenge of Balancing Parenting and Career

Receiving an autism diagnosis can be a shock for parents. They may experience different emotions, such as denial and grief. These feelings can come from society's views and stigma about disabilities. Mothers often must deal with their own emotions while also managing traditional family roles. The diagnosis can change the dreams and expectations they had for their child's future. This emotional journey makes it hard for mothers to balance work and family life, as they must find ways to cope with their feelings and meet their child's needs.

Emotional Journey of Autism Diagnosis

Deciding to leave work can stem from personal wishes and practical needs. Many families depend on the mother to care for their children because state support is often not enough. This situation leads some women to quit their jobs to meet their child’s ongoing needs. However, they don't take this decision lightly. Many think carefully about how it affects their finances and personal growth. This choice usually considers family dynamics, the intensity of the child’s needs, and the availability of resources and support.


Resigning from Work: A Personal and Economic Decision

For some mothers, quitting their job isn't an option because they need money. The costs of caring for a child with autism can be high, so they continue to work to keep their finances stable. These mothers may seek flexible work arrangements to balance their childcare duties. They might also choose to stay in their current jobs instead of pursuing promotions, prioritizing security over advancement. By keeping their jobs, they can support their family financially while also giving themselves a break from caregiving. This helps them handle the emotional challenges of parenting a child with autism more effectively.


Continuing to Work: Balancing Act for Financial Stability

Cultural norms in China stress the importance of family roles, especially the idea that mothers should be the main caregivers. This cultural background influences how mothers experience and make choices after their child is diagnosed with autism. Many mothers feel they should put their family's needs before their careers, often sacrificing their professional dreams. While this societal view creates unique challenges, it also helps mothers reshape their identities and find new ways to meet family expectations while still pursuing personal goals. Balancing these cultural expectations is a key part of managing their dual roles.


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