ItemBook Chapter

Neuro-Divergence and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis on the Experiences of a Mother of an Autistic Child

Title
Neuro-Divergence and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis on the Experiences of a Mother of an Autistic Child
Creator
Mukherjee, Sonali; Pathak, Swati
Description
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered how the experience for neuro-divergent individuals as well as their caregivers has been. A neuro-divergent person refers to a person with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or, more generally, to someone whose brain processes information in a way that is not typical of most individuals. In India, where gendered parenting is the norm and can significantly influence childrens development and functioning, it becomes imperative to examine the narratives of mothers of neuro-divergent children. The present case study has been undertaken to study the phenomenon of neuro-divergence in the context of the caregivers especially the mothers experience during the pandemic. The mother of an autistic child was telephonically interviewed to collect the experience of how she navigated through the complexities of the pandemic with her neuro-divergent child. The transcribed data were analysed by reflexive thematic analysis. The reflexive thematic analysis yielded six themes such as resilience in adversity, struggles with social isolation and educational support, adaptation and creativity, advocacy for change, hope and resilience, and newfound relationship. During the pandemic, the lack of physical, and social interaction, community support, and a sense of loneliness experienced during the challenging circumstances of the pandemic served as a bane to the overall experience. In the context of the findings, it is suggested that further research be conducted on the narratives of caregivers, systemic challenges serving as hindrances to the development of neuro-divergent individuals and the rise of caregiver burden due to gendered parenting among the neuro-divergent community. 2025 selection and editorial matter, Sonali Mukherjee and Swati Pathak.
Source
Mental, Emotional, and Behavioural Health Needs of Specific Populations following COVID- 19 in India: Findings from Qualitative and Quantitative Studies;pp.133-150
Date
01-01-2025
Publisher
Taylor and Francis
Coverage
Mukherjee S., Department of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Delhi NCR, India; Pathak S.
Rights
Restricted Access; Hardcopy may be available in the library
Relation
ISBN: 978-104032061-7; 978-103283368-2;
Format
online
Language
English
Type
Book chapter

Citation

Mukherjee, Sonali; Pathak, Swati, “Neuro-Divergence and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Reflexive Thematic Analysis on the Experiences of a Mother of an Autistic Child,” CHRIST (Deemed To Be University) Institutional Repository, accessed June 17, 2026, https://archives.christuniversity.in/items/show/25189.

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