Stress among mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in comparison to children with & without special health care needs

Abstract

PURPOSE: Parenting a child with special health care needs (SHCN) is often stressful. This study aimed to measure and compare stress among mothers of children with (a) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - ASD group, (b) Developmental delay without ASD group, (c) SHCN without developmental delay group, and (d) Typically developing group. To assess factors associated with maternal stress in children with developmental disorders. METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was performed with children aged 2–12 years and their mothers. The study population was classified into four groups as defined above help of detailed history, developmental & behavioral assessments, psychological assessments, and Child Special Health Care Needs Screener (CSHCN). Parental Stress Scale (PSS) Questionnaire was administered. The main outcome measurement was the PSS and various factors affecting it. RESULTS: The mothers of the ASD group reported a high stress score (50.4±11.4) compared to SHCN without developmental delay group (38.2±8.8) and the Typically developing group (22.3±3.3) (p < 0.05) and higher but not significant stress than Developmental delay without ASD group (45.3±9.6, p > 0.05). Maladaptive behavioral issues and irregular interventions were the factors contributing to higher parental stress in the ASD group (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed in rewarding and challenging scores of PSS among mothers of the ASD group, Developmental delay without ASD group, and SHCN without developmental delay group. CONCLUSION: Mothers of the ASD group perceived higher stress as compared to SHCN without developmental delay group and Typically developing group. Evaluation of stress and stressors is crucial for holistic management of ASD.

Risk of psychosis in autism spectrum disorder individuals exposed to psychosocial stressors: A 9‐year chart review study

“…Growing evidence points to the frequent occurrence of mental disorders in close relatives of autistic patients, highlighting cross‐generational associations between parental psychiatric illness and ASD in offspring (Birmaher et al, 2010; Chien et al, 2022; Liang et al, 2021), as well as common neurodevelopmental abnormalities (e.g., cognitive, learning, coordination, social, or emotional disturbances) among the siblings of individuals with ASD (Lauritsen et al, 2005; Lin et al, 2022; Pisula & Ziegart‐Sadowska, 2015). Also, recent findings suggest worsened parental well‐being measures to be consistently associated with the severity of the autistic child's clinical picture (Lanyi et al, 2022; Lohiya et al, 2023; Valicenti‐McDermott et al, 2015). Moreover, mainly due to their socio‐communicative difficulties and atypical interests and/or behaviors, adolescents with ASD are often exposed to aggressive peer victimization and bullying (Hoover & Kaufman, 2018), which are commonly recognized as risk factors for exacerbated ASD core symptoms and comorbid psychopathologies (Cappadocia et al, 2012; Fuld, 2018; Taylor & Gotham, 2016).…”

Caregiver Burden and Depression in Parents of Children with Chronic Diseases

“… 33 - 35 The long-term struggle of premature babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the persistence of chronic diseases lead to a very tiresome process for the family. In the study conducted by Lohiya et al, 36 it was reported that mothers of children with ASD had higher stress compared to mothers of children who had developmental delay without ASD, mothers of children with care needs who did not have developmental delay, and mothers of children who were typically developing. The increased needs of children with ASD and the responsibility of parents to meet these needs can complicate the life of the families.…”