This study aims at examining the itinerary done by mothers of children with autistic disorder in the search for diagnosis and treatment and their relationship with their child. The participants were twenty mothers, whose child was cared in two public institutions in different cities in the State of São Paulo. A semi-structured interview has been applied as well as a socio-demographic questionnaire. Four thematic nuclei had been found: (a) the family's pilgrimage to health services in order to diagnose their child's condition; (b) the ways to deal with the child's difficulties; (c) the mother's emotional burden; and (d) the parents' helplessness in what concerns future perspectives for the child. Acknowledging such itinerary contributes to improve the planning regarding more specialized programs and services.
Autistic Disorder; Mothers; Mental Health
