From Caring to Collapsing: A Qualitative Exploration of Parental Burnout in Mothers of Children on the Autism Spectrum

Abstract

Parental burnout (PB)—a condition characterized by intense exhaustion in the parental role, emotional distancing from one's children, feeling fed up with parenting, and contrast with the previous parental self—has gained increasing attention, predominantly among parents of neurotypical children. Research on PB in parents of children with complex care needs, such as children on the autism spectrum, is comparatively limited, despite indications of elevated PB levels in this population. This qualitative study aims to deepen the understanding of PB in mothers raising children on the autism spectrum by (1) examining the imbalance of stressors over resources mothers encounter before PB, (2) identifying the factors that push them over the edge into PB, and (3) exploring their lived experiences of PB. Fifteen mothers of children on the autism spectrum (aged 6 to 16 years) who experienced PB participated in a semi-structured interview. The thematic analysis revealed major stressors, including the child's challenging behaviors, the mother's perceived irreplaceability, the struggle to balance multiple roles, and inadequate social support. Although mothers shifted perspectives and found relief in activities beyond parenting, this proved insufficient to offset their overwhelming stress. This imbalance, compounded by loss of control, feelings of entrapment, and absence of a lifeline, culminated in PB. Interestingly, in the manifestation of PB, emotional distancing was less pronounced, and feeling fed up with parenting was closely tied to feelings of “living loss”. This study enhances the understanding of PB in mothers raising children on the autism spectrum and paves the way toward more tailored parent support.