Parenting behaviours among mothers of pre-schoolers on the autism spectrum: Associations with parenting stress and children’s externalising behaviour problems

BackgroundParents of pre-schoolers diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) report increased parenting stress (i.e., stress related to the parent role) and more behaviour problems of the child compared with parents of non-autistic pre-schoolers. Parenting stress and children’s behaviour problems are both associated with parenting behaviours, but have not yet been investigated together.Method42 mothers of autistic and non-autistic pre-schoolers were observed during mother-child interaction and they reported on parenting behaviours, parenting stress, and children’s externalising behaviour problems. Spearman correlations between all variables were calculated for the ASD group and the non-ASD group separately, and Linear Mixed Models were built to investigate whether parenting stress and externalising behaviour problems were similarly associated to parenting behaviours in both groups.ResultsMothers in the ASD group reported more parenting stress and more externalising behaviour problems than mothers in the non-ASD group. In the ASD group only, parenting stress was related to externalising behaviour problems but not to the level of autism characteristics. In both groups, more externalising behaviour problems were associated with more observed negative parenting behaviours (i.e., criticising and ignoring the child), and more parenting stress was associated with less reported autonomy support.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that in the case of possibly problematic parenting behaviours, such as negativity and lack of autonomy support, it is important to investigate associated factors like parenting stress and children’s behaviour problems. An individualised strengths and needs assessment could then offer a tailored intervention to families with an autistic pre-schooler.     

Parenting Stress in Mothers and Fathers of Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Associations with Child Characteristics

Elevated parenting stress is observed among mothers of older children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but little is known about parents of young newly-diagnosed children. Associations between child behavior and parenting stress were examined in mothers and fathers of 54 toddlers with ASD (mean age = 26.9 months). Parents reported elevated parenting stress. Deficits/delays in children's social relatedness were associated with overall parenting stress, parent-child relationship problems, and distress for mothers and fathers. Regulatory problems were associated with maternal stress, whereas externalizing behaviors were associated with paternal stress. Cognitive functioning, communication deficits, and atypical behaviors were not uniquely associated with parenting stress. Clinical assessment of parental stress, acknowledging differences in parenting experiences for mothers and fathers of young children with ASD, is needed.     

Correlates of Attachment Perceptions in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

This study explored the relationship between parents’ perceptions of their child’s attachment to them and parents’ own affective attachment to their child, as well the relationship of these constructs to parenting stress, parent-rated child functional impairment, and parenting sense of competence. Mothers (n?=?76) and fathers (n?=?30) of children ages 2–10 with autism spectrum disorders participated. Overall, parents’ affective attachment to their child was more consistently related to other aspects of their parenting experiences than were their perceptions of their child’s attachment to them. Also, perceptions of child-to-parent attachment were related to other aspects of parenting for fathers more than for mothers. Implications for parenting interventions and future research, such as longitudinal investigations, are discussed.     

Fathers of children with autism spectrum disorder: Their perceptions of paternal role a predictor of caregiving satisfaction,self-efficacy and burden

BackgroundThe positive effect of a father’s involvement in children’s upbringing is now recognised. However, research on fathers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are still few. This study examines the relationship between the perception, fathers of children with ASD have of the importance of their role in the development of their children and the feelings (self-efficacy, caregiving burden, satisfaction) they express about their parenting experience.MethodSixty-three Swiss Italian fathers of children with ASD completed The Role of the Father Questionnaire (ROFQ), three sub-scales of the Caregiver Survey, a subtest of the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale and a home-made questionnaire measuring Perceived Social Support.ResultsThe results from hierarchical multiple regression analyses show that the importance that fathers attach to the paternal role predicts positively their caregiving satisfaction and their feeling of self-efficacy. The children’s challenging behaviours predict positively the caregiving burden whereas the assessment of social support predicts it negatively.ConclusionsThe perception of the importance of the paternal role needs to be considered in the support offered to families with a child with ASD. A better understanding of the fathers’ feelings could be of value for the programmes.     

Parenting in families with a child with autism spectrum disorder and a typically developing child: Mothers’ experiences and cognitions

The parenting experiences of mothers in a family with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a typically developing (TD) child were studied using a qualitative analysis of mothers’ perceptions of the impact of autism on family and personal life. An additional quantitative comparison was performed to evaluate the effect of ASD on mothers’ parenting cognitions about their other, TD child. Mothers differentiated clearly in parenting cognitions about their child with ASD and about their TD child. Strong associations were found between mothers’ symptoms of stress and depression, and their parenting cognitions about both their children. To maximize intervention outcome, family interventionists should consider parenting experiences and should become aware of interfering maternal feelings and cognitions, such as guilt or low parental self-efficacy beliefs.     

Multilevel approach to gender differences in adaptation in father-mother dyads parenting individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

BackgroundMost studies of gender differences in the ASD literature present methodological limitations regarding the treatment of dyadic data. This work explored gender differences in the psychological adaptation of a sample of Spanish fathers and mothers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using a multilevel modeling approach (MLM) that accounts for nested data.MethodQuestionnaires including different adaptation measures were completed by 120 father-mother dyads raising individuals with ASD. We designed a two-level model (parents nested in dyads) with three predictor variables at level 1 (parent gender, parent age, and perception of child’s behavior problems) and four predictor variables at level 2 (child age, family income, ASD severity, and time since diagnosis) to examine the influence of these variables on negative and positive psychological outcomes (stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological well-being).ResultsMothers experienced higher levels of stress and anxiety than fathers, even after controlling for interdependence and sociodemographic factors. ASD severity was a significant predictor of both progenitors’ stress and well-being, and family income was also related to psychological well-being, although no gender differences were observed in the way these variables are related to parental outcomes.ConclusionsProfessionals should offer parents support to adjust expectations according to their child’s ASD severity given its relationship to parental stress and well-being. Considering that mothers experience higher levels of stress and anxiety than fathers, clinicians should encourage maternal protective factors. Finally, governments should consider new policies aiming to support ASD families’ treatment expenses.     

Coparenting Competence in Parents of Children with ASD: A Marker of Coparenting Quality

The coparenting relationship has been linked to parenting stress, parenting self-efficacy and many other concerns associated with the development of children with ASD. Parents of children with ASD (N?=?22) were interviewed to explore three domains of their coparenting relationship; (1) adaptation to the emergence of their child’s autism, (2) parenting their child with ASD, (3) expectations for their child’s developmental outcomes. The concept of coparenting competence, developed during analysis, describes collective perceptions of parenting efficacy. Parents linked perceptions of coparenting competence to their, ability to cope with diagnosis and parenting, motivation to do what they could for their child, and hopes for their child’s development. The concept of coparenting competence could play an important role in future research and intervention.     

Determinants of Stress in Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder are known to experience more stress than parents of children with any other conditions. The current study describes the parental stress of 118 fathers and 118 mothers at the onset of their children’s Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention program. The objectives of the study were to compare and analyze each parent’s stress and to identify factors that might predict their stress. Results indicated that fathers reported higher levels of stress than mothers. Correlations indicated that the stress levels of both parents were associated with their child’s age, intellectual quotient, severity of autistic symptoms, and adaptive behaviors. Paternal stress, but not maternal stress, was predicted by severity of autistic symptoms and child’s gender. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for services and early interventions.     

The relationship between the broader autism phenotype,child severity,and stress and depression in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

This study examined the relationship between child symptom severity, parent broader autism phenotype (BAP), and stress and depression in parents of children with ASD. One hundred and forty-nine parents of children with ASD completed a survey of parenting stress, depression, broader autism phenotype, coping styles, perceived social support, and child symptom severity. Parents reported elevated parenting stress and depression relative to normative samples. A path analysis indicated that both child symptom severity and parent BAP were positively correlated with these outcomes. The relationship between BAP and the outcome measures was partially mediated by maladaptive coping and social support and the relationship between child symptom severity and outcomes was partially mediated by social support.     

Parenting stress in Chinese mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders

Objective

Elevated parenting stress has been observed among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in western countries, but little is known about mothers of Han Chinese children. The aim of the current study was to further the knowledge about stress experienced by Chinese mothers of children with ASD by examining maternal parenting stress in Heilongjiang province of China.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, data about participants’ demographic characteristics, parenting stress, anxiety, depression, child’s behavioral problems, coping strategies, and social support were collected though a questionnaire survey. The participants included 150 families with ASD children, who were consecutively admitted to the clinics of the Children Development and Behavior Research Center in Harbin Medical University, Heilongjiang Disabled Persons Federation, and Mudanjiang Child Welfare Home.

Results

The participants reported elevated parenting stress. Mothers’ parenting stress was associated with levels of depression and anxiety, and child’s behavioral symptoms. Child’s behavioral symptoms, maternal anxiety, maternal depressive symptoms, and lack of governmental financial support were associated with overall parenting stress.

Conclusions

Government support may play an important role in reducing parenting stress in this population.     

Parenting dimensions in mothers and fathers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Rearing a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a unique challenge for both parents. Previous studies addressed how mothers are affected by the challenges of raising a child with ASD, mostly in terms of stress pattern. In this study, we focused on comparisons between mothers and fathers of children with ASD in parental stress, attitude and mental health. We examined 99 parents of children with ASD using the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, the Parental Style Questionnaire, the Self-Perceptions of the Parental Role and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The results revealed the gender differences in the parental attitude and mental health. Mothers reported that they engaged in more social behaviors with their children than fathers. In addition mothers reported higher level of depression than fathers. No difference among parents emerged in the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. The results of a multiple regression analysis revealed that parenting distress is associated with depression, balance of parents’ diverse roles in their life and dysfunctional interaction between parents and children. These findings highlight both similarities and differences between mothers and fathers of children with ASD and the existence of a relationship between parental stress, mental health and attitude. Results suggest the importance of developing specific intervention programs which incorporate these fundamental parenting domains.     

Predictors and Course of Daily Living Skills Development in Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Self-sufficiency is central to child and family well-being. This report focuses on predictors of adaptive daily living skills (DLS) development in young children with ASD and whether DLS gains predict decreases in parenting stress. Participants were 162 toddlers with ASD and their parents, assessed at 3 annual timepoints. Hierarchical Linear Models showed that age, DQ, and autism symptom severity uniquely predicted initial DLS and DLS growth. Child problem behaviors predicted initial DLS only. DLS was associated with change in parenting stress above and beyond DQ, autism symptom severity, and problem behaviors. Children with lower IQ and more severe symptoms showed slower DLS gains. Given its relation to parenting stress, DLS are an important intervention target in young children with ASD.     

Association of schizophrenia spectrum and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children with ASD and clinic controls

ObjectiveThis study examines relations between the severity of specific symptoms of schizophrenia spectrum disorder (SSD) and severity of the three defining symptom domains of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children with ASD (N = 147) and child psychiatry outpatient referrals (Controls; N = 339).MethodParticipants were subdivided into four groups depending on ASD status (±) and whether they met symptom criteria for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (±ADHD). Their mothers and teachers evaluated them with a DSM-IV-referenced rating scale.ResultsCorrelations between schizoid personality symptoms and ASD social skills deficits were moderate to large, and this was true for children with ASD and Controls, regardless of ADHD status, and for mother's and teachers’ ratings. Conversely, severity of hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking were minimally correlated with ASD severity with the exception of Controls with ADHD. The disorganized behavior and negative symptoms of schizophrenia evidenced the strongest pattern of associations with ASD symptoms, and this was particularly true for children with co-morbid ADHD (±ASD, all three ASD symptom dimensions), and for teachers’ ratings of all four groups. Nevertheless, there was considerable variability in relations for specific symptoms across informants and groups. Correlations between SSD symptom severity and IQ were generally low, particularly among the ASD Only group and for all teacher-rated symptoms.ConclusionAssociations between ASD and SSD symptoms were often dimension-specific, and this was particularly evident in children without ADHD (±ASD; mothers’ ratings). Findings were interpreted as supporting the deconstruction of complex clinical phenotypes as a means of better understanding interrelations among psychiatric syndromes.     

Parental wellbeing of Iranian families with children who have developmental disabilities

To date, most research with families who have a child with developmental disabilities has been undertaken in English speaking countries. Poorer health, allied with increased levels of stress has been commonly reported for mothers but less is known about the impact on fathers and on overall family functioning. This study aimed to document the correlates of these parental impacts with Iranian mothers and fathers who had children with either intellectual disabilities (ID) or with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). In all 121 parents (69 mothers and 52 fathers from 94 families) who had a child with a diagnosis of ADS, along with 115 parents of children with ID (83 mothers and 32 fathers from 101 families) volunteered to take part in the study. Each participant completed through interview standardised rating scales of parenting stress, emotional well-being, family functioning and satisfaction with caring role along with demographic information and details of informal supports. Structural Equation Modeling identified that family functioning was much poorer in families whose child had ASD and both mothers and fathers reported higher levels of stress. Poorer emotional well-being contributed to higher stress and was more frequent among mothers, single parents and those whose children had behaviour problems. Having other dependents living at home and more sources of informal support improved the emotional wellbeing of parents but not their stress or family functioning. Parents who derived greater satisfaction from their caring role tended to have better emotional health and less stress. Although the impact on Iranian parents of having a child with developmental disabilities is broadly similar to those of parents in other cultures, there are indications that children with ASD present distinct challenges to these families. The model derived in this study is a useful guide both for further research as well as family-centred interventions.     

How are parental reactions to children’s emotions linked with Theory of Mind in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder?

BackgroundBased on the model of ‘Parental Socialization of Emotions’ (Eisenberg, Cumberland, & Spinrad, 1998), these studies examined the profiles of parental reactions to their children’s emotions and the relation between these reactions and their ASD children’s ToM abilities. They could help identify protective versus risk factors in their ToM development.MethodThe participants in Study 1 included 29 mothers and 29 fathers of ASD children (26 boys and 3 girls). In Study 2, 39 mothers and 31 fathers and their ASD children participated. In both studies, mothers and fathers independently completed a questionnaire about their reactions to their children’s emotions. In Study 2 only, children’s ToM abilities were assessed by means of direct measures and a questionnaire completed by parents.ResultsThe results indicated that mothers displayed more encouragement and less minimizing responses to their ASD children’s negative emotions than fathers. For both maternal and paternal model analysed by stepwise regressions, the results highlighted specific links between each parent’s reactions and children’s ToM abilities that varied according to mental states. These findings suggested that parental reactions which help the children to understand how they can solve problems are protective factors, while parental reactions which deprive children of an opportunity to explore their feelings are risk factors.ConclusionThese studies provide new information about how parental reactions to children’s emotions could socialise ASD children’s ToM abilities better; this could be useful for adapting parental support programmes.     

Parent and professional evaluations of family stress associated with characteristics of autism

This study assessed the impact of various individual symptoms of autism on mothers and fat hers, and professionals' accuracy in estimating parents' perceived stress levels. Mothers and fathers of 20 autistic children, and 20 therapists working with those children, independently rated the severity of common symptoms of autism in their child, and how stressful they found each symptom; therapists estimated parental stress. The autistic child's language and cognitive impairment were judged by all raters as most severe and stressful. In contrast with other studies, individual parents agreed on both symptom severity and degree of stress. Parents of older children judged symptom severity to be lower, but fathers reported a continued high level of stress. Professionals judged families as more stressed by the child symptoms than did families themselves. Implications for intervention and casework are discussed.We wish to express our thanks to the parents of the children and the staff of the Geneva Centre for their cooperation in this project, and to Carolyn Lennox, Martha Leary, and Julie Mayerovitch for their input at various stages.     

An investigation of the association between seizures,autism symptomology,and developmental functioning in young children

ABSTRACT

Objective: The aim of the present study was to explore whether a history of seizures was associated with autism symptom severity and developmental functioning in young children.

Methods: Autism symptom severity and developmental functioning were compared between children with and without a history or seizures who either had atypical development or met criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) based on review of records by a licensed clinical psychologist.

Results: Parents of children who met criteria for ASD reported lower levels of autism symptomology when the child had a history of seizures, while the opposite trend was found for children with atypical development. Participants without ASD or seizures had greater developmental functioning than the other groups.

Conclusion: The present study emphasizes the need for early identification and diagnosis of both ASD and seizure disorders, as timely intervention for these two conditions may be related to improved outcomes for young children.     

Variability in adaptive behaviour in young children with autism spectrum disorder

ABSTRACT

Background Understanding adaptive behaviour variability in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have important implications for early intervention. The purpose of this study was to explore whether autism symptom severity and caregiver depression affected adaptive behaviour in young children with ASD.

Method Data were collected from 60 primary caregivers of children aged 2–6 years with ASD. A factorial multivariate analysis of covariance was conducted to investigate if different levels of autism symptom severity and caregiver depression affected communication, socialisation, and daily living skills, after controlling for child age.

Results Findings suggest that only autism symptom severity accounted for significant variance in adaptive behaviour, with socialisation being most impacted. Although more than half of the caregivers reported heightened depressive symptoms, caregiver depression was not related to adaptive behaviour.

Conclusions Findings highlight the level of functional impairment that young children with ASD experience in relation to autism symptom severity.     

Are parental autism spectrum disorder and/or attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder symptoms related to parenting styles in families with ASD (+ADHD) affected children?

An understudied and sensitive topic nowadays is that even subthreshold symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in parents may relate to their parenting styles. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of (the combined) effect of child diagnosis (ASD or ASD + ADHD affected/unaffected children) and parental ASD and/or ADHD on parenting styles. Ninety-six families were recruited with one child with a clinical ASD (+ADHD) diagnosis, and one unaffected sibling. Parental ASD and ADHD symptoms were assessed using self-report. The Parenting Styles Dimensions Questionnaire (PSDQ) self- and spouse-report were used to measure the authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive parenting styles. Fathers and mothers scored significantly higher than the norm data of the PSDQ on the permissive style regarding affected children, and lower on the authoritative and authoritarian parenting style for affected and unaffected children. Self- and spouse-report correlated modestly too strongly. Higher levels of paternal (not maternal) ADHD symptoms were suboptimally related to the three parenting styles. Further, two parent–child pathology interaction effects were found, indicating that fathers with high ADHD symptoms and mothers with high ASD symptoms reported to use a more permissive parenting style only towards their unaffected child. The results highlight the negative effects of paternal ADHD symptoms on parenting styles within families with ASD (+ADHD) affected offspring and the higher permissiveness towards unaffected offspring specifically when paternal ADHD and/or maternal ASD symptoms are high. Parenting training in these families may be beneficial for the well-being of all family members.