Introduction: Chinese immigrants to Canada bring a set of values and beliefs that influence the way they experience the world. Some are mothers with children with special needs. These women face the difficult process of transitioning into a new culture and society along with caring for a child with special needs. Objectives: To gain an in-depth understanding of the experiences and occupations of Chinese mothers of children with special needs who have immigrated to Canada. Methods: This descriptive phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews as the principal means of collecting data from three immigrant mothers with children with special needs who were born in China or Hong Kong. Results: Three themes were identified: 1) Change in types of caregiving occupations and stressors with immigration, 2) Parenting responsibilities shape personal and family life and occupations, and 3) Occupational changes associated with caregiving and immigration influence personal and family well-being. Conclusion: Occupational choices and engagement were based on the sense of duty and responsibility to their children. Chinese immigrant mothers made significant life changes regardless of their own and their family's well-being in the interest of their children's development and quality of life. © 2011 The Journal of Occupational Science Incorporated.

culture Phenomenology Transition Chinese immigrant mothers Occupational change Occupational engagement

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