Mothers of children with autism frequently forgo promotions, work fewer hours and decline new job offers as a result of their caregiving responsibilities, new research indicates.
In a survey of 326 families, researchers at Washington State University Vancouver found that moms experience the brunt of workplace ramifications that come with the added responsibility of parenting a child with autism.
Half of moms said they work fewer hours and 3 out of 5 reported turning down a job offer because of their child’s unique needs. What’s more, 1 in 4 autism moms said they had taken a leave of absence or declined a promotion. As a result, 60 percent reported recently experiencing financial difficulties.
“We found that negative effects concentrate on the mother,” said Dana Baker, lead author of the study which was published online in Social Science Journal this month.
In particular, Baker says moms are being reprimanded at work for dealing with the extra obligations of having a child with a disability — like frequent doctor’s appointments and school meetings — which she says employers can often find ways to work around.
This is news? Mothers always end up making the sacrifices when it comes to parenting vs. job. Welcome to the patriarchy.
Although I am not surprised by the findings or by violetred’s comment, it should be noted that there are exceptions. My son is a stay-at-home dad who is the primary caregiver for our grandson with autism. He works from home because of the need for a parent to be there 24/7. His wife has been employed full-time, does considerable traveling, and has never missed an opportunity for professional advancement because of a child with a disability. One should be mindful that all generalizations are bound to be wrong1
This isn’t just about moms of kids with Autism. Mothers of children with disabilities, any disabilities, have a very tough time holding a job. We have more doctor appts., illness, behavior calls from the schools, IEP meetings, and god help us during the holidays when school lets out. Summer Vacation is a whole other story. If we don’t have summer camp or other types of care, well we are just out of luck. Let’s not discuss when our children turn 22 and there is nothing out there. They can not sit at home unattended; can they? No day programs, or DT or jobs; so now what?
I get really tired of people drawing lines between disabilities. Parents employment of ALL children with significant disabilites is effected. My child has a significant disability and I have always had to put my work schedule around her school, therapy, surgery schedules. My vacation time was largely used as hospital stays and surgery recouperation. I just recently turned down more hours because my 17 year old daughter still requires my attention. If she were a “typical child” I would be able to work more hours because she could get herself around by driving or using public transportation, which because of her disability she cannot do. I think more attention needs to be paid to the “whole” disability world and “all” kids and families of kids with disabilities instead of one specific group.
Strange study. Anybody who knows anything about any special needs child would all ready know this but I guess putting it in writing is a good way to communicate all the issues that you have to deal with on a day to day basis. I’m a single mom with a cutie pie 16yr old that is cerebral palsy. Yes I work. It is no picnic. I get tired of the whole autism thing. (nothing personal). One thing I have found out that where you live sure makes a difference. Ive traveled with my girl abit and have taken notes. It does make a difference what town, city, and state you live in and how much support mentally, physically, and financially, and medically you get. What culture you live it makes a big difference. Small towns does not mean friendly. If you want support for your child you have to be in a progressive area with progressive thinking. Otherwise your child is doomed. My view. Keep on trucking. Holly and Emily