The themes that emerged represent structures that articulate the core of their lived
experiences as primary care giving mothers of adults who have intellectual disabilities. The
essential structures or themes of these women’s lived experiences are mothers’ actions to
structure daily life for their sons, mothers’ routines—engaged lives, mothers’ expertise, and
mothers’ reflections on mothering a son with intellectual disabilities.
The results of this study contribute a focus on maternal experiences to the body of literature about, and practice with, adults who have intellectual disabilities and their families
. In addition, this study contributes to the body of literature about mothering occupations found in occupational therapy and occupational science.
This dissertation discussed implications for occupational therapy practice and research