Korean American Immigrant Mothers' Christian Perspectives on Educating Their Children With Autism

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 6
  In Roundtable Session: Religion, Identity, and Philosophy

Abstract

Six Korean American mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) were interviewed to elaborate their Christian perspectives on educational trajectories of their children with ASD. This multiple case study draws from intersectionality theory to delineate the parenting experiences at the intersection of religion and immigration. Results present tensions between religious beliefs and activities. Some mothers consider ASD as the path of blessing, and it helps acceptance of the diagnosis and development of coping strategies. Their religious community provided local resources and peer relationship experiences for the immigrant parents raising their children with ASD. The Christian views of disabilities also became a source of stress. The mothers suggested that sensitive responses to ASD would support flourishing the families’ spiritual growth.

Authors

• Hyejung Kim, University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Sunyoung Kim, University of Illinois at Chicago