Mothering a Child with Autism Under the Weight of Marianismo: Implications for Social Work Practice

Abstract

This article explains and offers context for how marianismo undermines a mother’s coping when her child has autism. It asserts that without an informed understanding of cultural value systems, such as marianismo, and how these values shape a mother’s cultural and personal experiences, social work efforts to help Latino mothers and families cope with the implications of their child’s autism are simply insufficient. Practice implications are addressed and suggestions for meaningful and impactful work provided.