BEYOND DIAGNOSIS: MEANING IN ATYPICAL MOTHERHOOD IN LIGHT OF LOGOTHERAPY

Abstract

The diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may lead to changes in family routines, parental expectations, and the organization of everyday life. In this process, mothers of children with ASD may experience insecurity, overload, anxiety, guilt, isolation, and the need to adapt to continuous caregiving demands. This article addressed the following research question: what are the possible contributions and limitations of Logotherapy for understanding the experience of these mothers in the face of the emotional and existential challenges of atypical motherhood? The general objective was to analyze these contributions while considering possibilities for meaning-making without romanticizing suffering. Specifically, the study sought to identify post-diagnosis challenges described in the literature, analyze their emotional and existential repercussions, and discuss possibilities for psychological support grounded in Logotherapy. A narrative literature review was conducted using a qualitative and descriptive approach, based on searches in SciELO and Google Scholar, complemented by classical works and academic studies related to the topic. The analysis indicates that meaning, freedom, responsibility, self-transcendence, values, self-distancing, and dereflection may provide a theoretical lens for psychological listening and support. However, the review cannot demonstrate clinical efficacy, and the search for meaning should not individualize responsibility or replace social support and public policies. Logotherapy may therefore contribute to understanding and supporting these mothers when it respects their singularity, acknowledges suffering, and preserves their autonomy.