Building resilience in mothers caring for neurodivergent children: A multi-framework approach integrating personal resources and self-regulation

Barnes, A, Pickles, M ORCID: 0000-0001-5536-6577, Cronshaw, S ORCID: 0000-0002-9004-823X and Wall, T ORCID: 0000-0003-2334-3279 (2026) Building resilience in mothers caring for neurodivergent children: A multi-framework approach integrating personal resources and self-regulation. Research in Neurodiversity. ISSN 3050-5798

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Abstract

Neurodiversity affects up to 15% of the United Kingdom population, often requiring additional parental support that can lead to significant caregiver strain and reduced quality of life. This study contributes UK-based evidence to the growing international literature on caregiving experiences of parents of neurodivergent children. We explored the experiences, resources and coping strategies of 19 mothers of neurodivergent children, through semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis. Caregiver experiences remain underrepresented in neurodiversity research, with limited focus on parental well-being and the lived realities of family life. Additionally, existing studies often adopt fragmented approaches, addressing individual factors in isolation rather than considering how multiple resources, such as time, social support and cognitive capacities interact to shape coping. The findings identified nine key resources affecting mothers' lives: time, social support, financial situation, health, cognitive resources, psychological resources, mindfulness, personal skills, and family support. Mothers with stronger resources and effective goal achievement were better equipped to manage challenges and cope with stressors. Time management is important, with effective time use leading to positive outcomes in goal achievement, well-being, and social connections, along with support networks providing psychological comfort and advice, and respite from childcare. Findings suggest support interventions should focus on strengthening resources through parent-led approaches in supportive environments. Cognitive behavioural therapy, parenting, mindfulness interventions, and peer support are used to implement these strategies. This study focuses on UK mothers addressing education, health, and social care challenges unique to their specific environment. In addition, prior studies focus on parents caring for children with specific neurodiversity's like ASD or ADHD. In this study, some mothers cared for more than one neurodivergent child. Some children had multiple neurodevelopmental diagnoses. The results therefore identify key resources needed by mothers with children who have broad neurodiversity behaviours and needs. This study contributes to the theory of conservation of resources and regulatory mode theory in caregiving for neurodivergent children, providing frameworks to enhance parental well-being in the context of neurodiversity.

Item Type:	Article
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics > RJ101 Child Health. Child health services
Divisions:	Liverpool Business School
Publisher:	Elsevier
Date of acceptance:	29 August 2026
Date of first compliant Open Access:	7 September 2026
Date Deposited:	07 Sep 2026 09:30
Last Modified:	07 Sep 2026 09:30
DOI or ID number:	10.1016/j.rin.2026.100065
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/29330

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