A Persian American Mother’s Experiences and Understanding of Individuals With Autism

• In Event: Roundtable Session 13
  In Roundtable Session: Familiy Stories, Stories of Families

Abstract

This study investigated a Persian-American mother’s understanding of disability and her experiences raising two individuals with autism. The workshop will discuss how this mother has successfully promoted her children’s inclusivity into the community. The workshop also will describe how the mother navigated the educational system’s policy and practices regarding students with disabilities from kindergarten to higher education. Notions of culture, belief systems, and gender roles will be examined that have influenced her experience as a mother of children with disabilities and her perception of disability.

Author

• Kimiya Sohrab Maghzi, Chapman University