Exploring Childbearing Decision-Making in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Strategic Insights -

Research has found that the significant decline in fertility rates over the past three decades has led to a complex process of fertility decision-making, especially for families with a child with a history of a multifactorial disease such as autism spectrum disorder. A study conducted by the Mashhad University of Medical Sciences aimed to discover the childbearing decision-making process in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and design a childbearing program to support them. The study was conducted in three phases, including a qualitative research phase using the Strauss and Corbin grounded theory approach, a program design phase using a logic model, and a validation phase using the nominal group technique with a panel of experts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that childbearing decision-making is a complex process for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder, involving various needs, challenges, and problems.
  • The study's qualitative research phase involved semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 mothers who had at least one autistic child.
  • The data analysis was conducted using the Strauss and Corbin 2015 approach and MAXQDA 2020 software.
  • A childbearing program was designed using a logic model to support decision-making regarding childbearing among mothers of children with autism.
  • The program was validated by a panel of experts using the nominal group technique.
  • The study was conducted in Mashhad, Iran, and involved 20 mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Statistics:

  • 20 mothers participated in the qualitative research phase of the study.
  • The study was conducted in three phases: qualitative research, program design, and validation.
  • The program design phase used a logic model to design a childbearing program for mothers of children with autism.
  • The validation phase involved a panel of experts who used the nominal group technique to validate the program.

Sources:

  • "Exploring the childbearing decision-making process in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and designing and validation of a childbearing program: A study protocol." Reproductive Health, 2025;22(1):178.
  • Bmc, Campus, 4 Crinan St, London N1 9XW, England (Publisher of Reproductive Health journal)
  • Talat Khadivzadeh, Dept. of Midwifery, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran (Lead author)
  • Mahla Salarfard, Javad Moghri, Kobra Mirzakhani (Additional authors)
  • NewsRx. Study Data from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Update Understanding of Autism (Exploring the childbearing decision-making process in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and designing and validation of a childbearing ...). Pediatrics Week. October 18, 2025; p 1172.