The lived experiences of Turkish-speaking immigrant mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder in the UK

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges for caregivers, particularly within immigrant communities where cultural, linguistic, and systemic barriers can significantly impact how they navigate care and access services. First-generation Turkish-speaking immigrant mothers in the United Kingdom (UK) represent a distinct demographic whose experiences in navigating ASD caregiving remain understudied, with these challenges further intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. While existing research has explored immigrant experiences with developmental disabilities, there is a notable gap in understanding the specific challenges faced by Turkish-speaking immigrant mothers caring for children with ASD in the UK. This study addresses this gap by examining their lived experiences, service engagement patterns, and transnational practices, particularly during the unprecedented circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employs a qualitative methodology, collecting data during in-depth face-to-face semi structured interviews with first-generation Turkish-speaking immigrant mothers of children with ASD. Data was analysed using reflective thematic analysis (RTA), allowing for detailed exploration of participants' experiences across multiple timepoints. This research offers several valuable contributions to understanding of Turkish-speaking immigrant families with children with disabilities in the UK. The findings revealed four key dimensions of the mothers' experiences: cultural navigation of ASD caregiving, complex interactions with UK services, the role of transnational practices in seeking additional support, and the profound impact of COVID-19 on caregiving routines and access to services. The study highlights how these mothers actively construct hybrid caregiving approaches that blend Turkish cultural practices with UK healthcare systems, while adapting to pandemic-related disruptions.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Guzel , Fatma

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Galasinska, Aleksandra
• Partridge, Martin

• Turkish-speakers
• mothers
• autism spectrum disorder
• transnationalism
• first-generation
• immigrants
• motherhood
• COVID-19
• caregiving
• migrants

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/3780a0ca-cccf-4ea2-a72d-dd3a8ee14557/download