Perceived Social Support, Normalization, and Subjective Well-Being Among Family Members of a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The experience of family members of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is not uniform. This study focused on mothers of a child with ASD (Study 1) and typically developing siblings (TDSs) during their emerging adulthood (Study 2). Similarities and differences were explored regarding a proposed model examining the paths of perceived social support (PSS) and normalization (a coping strategy) with subjective well-being: satisfaction with life (SWL) and positive affect (PA). Similarities were found in the paths between PSS, normalization, and SWL, in mothers and TDSs, but differences emerged regarding PA. These findings highlight the importance of PSS as a resource that contributes to normalization and SWL. Professional awareness of family members' PSS and their engagement in normalization is needed.

Psychometric Assessment of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory in Children with Autism in Community Settings

The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is a frequently used measure to assess interfering behaviors in children and psychometric properties have recently been examined in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There is a need to confirm the identified factors and examine the factor structure in a racially/ethnically diverse, community-based sample. The current study conducts a psychometric analysis of the ECBI in a sample of children with ASD receiving publicly-funded mental health services. Data were collected from 201 children with ASD ages 5-13 years (60% Hispanic/Latinx) participating in a community effectiveness trial. Confirmatory factor analysis indicated poor model fit using previously identified factors and a new four-factor solution was identified. Clinical and research implications of these findings are discussed.

Daily experiences and well-being of Chinese parents of children with autism

LAY ABSTRACT

The present study examined the influences of child-related stress, parental coping and social support on parental daily subjective well-being (i.e. positive and negative affect, life satisfactory) in Chinese families of children with autism spectrum disorder. For 14 days, a total of 76 parents (58 mothers) participated in the study and completed daily diaries. For mothers, child-related stress was related to lower life satisfaction; social support was related to higher life satisfaction that day. These daily relations were not found for fathers. Across all parents, avoidant coping was associated with higher negative affect and lower positive affect on the same day. Notably, daily positive coping was related to greater same-day positive affect as well as greater same-day and next-day life satisfaction. Interventions aimed at increasing positive coping and social support, and reducing child-related stress and avoidant coping are important to help parents maintain well-being, particularly for mothers of children with autism.

Support Needs and Parent Outcomes in Arab Families of Children with Autism Living in the United Kingdom

Research on the experiences of Arab families of children with autism living in non-Arab countries is scarce. A survey investigated the support needs, psychological distress, and parental relationships of Arab parents (n = 100) of children with autism living in the United Kingdom (UK). The survey consisted of five main questionnaires: a demographic questionnaire, the GO4KIDDS Brief Adaptive Scale, the Family Needs Survey, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Descriptive analysis indicated that the most frequently identified support needs were information, community services, and explaining to others. Parents reported high levels of psychological distress, a high level of parental relationship satisfaction with their spouse, and few parental disagreements about their child with autism. Regression analyses showed that increased child behavior problems predicted more total family needs. Higher levels of child prosocial behavior, the better health status of parents, and a larger number of children in the family were associated with lower levels of parental psychological distress. A longer time living in the UK was associated with more parental disagreement over issues related to the child with ASD. Reducing child behavior problems and increasing child prosocial behavior may be important targets for support and intervention to improve outcomes for Arab parents of autistic children.

Psychological, sociocultural and economic coping strategies of mothers or female caregivers of children with a disability in Belu district, Indonesia

Caring for children with a disability can cause a range of psychological and socioeconomic challenges for parents and caregivers, such as anxiety, depression, inability to find affordable and appropriate childcare, loss of income and expenses related to disability specific treatment. As part of a study exploring the impacts of childhood disability on mothers or female caregivers and families, and the copy strategies they used, this paper describes strategies employed by mothers or female caregivers to cope with challenges associated with childhood disability within their family in Belu district, Indonesia. A qualitative approach using one-on-one in-depth interviews was used to collect data from participants (n = 22) who were recruited using a combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and imported to NVivo 12 for analysis. A qualitative framework analysis was used to guide data analysis. The conceptual framework of coping strategies guided the conceptualisation and discussion of the findings. The findings showed that active psychological coping strategies, including cognitive or acceptance strategies, knowledge of both health condition and socio-academic related development of children with a disability, and family relationship and support, were used by the participants to cope with psychological challenges facing them. Self-reliance and religious/spiritual coping strategies were also utilised. Sociocultural strategies, such as social withdrawal or disengagement, professional support and culture-based support, were used by the participants to cope with social impacts, stigma, and discrimination associated with childhood disability. Participants also reported using financial strategies such as selling of family assets to cope with the economic challenges. The findings indicate the need for programs and interventions that address the needs of mothers and female caregivers and their families, to assist with effectively managing the significant challenges they face when caring for a child with a disability. Further studies are needed, with a larger number of participants and the inclusion of fathers or male caregivers, in order to better understand the broader coping experience of childhood disability impacts within families.

Internet-based versus face-to-face intervention training for parents of young children with excessive screen-time and autism spectrum disorder-like symptoms: a comparative study

Internet-based intervention approach is one novel strategy to train. However, only a few clinical trials have compared internet-based parent training intervention with an equal face-to-face intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like symptoms. The primary aim of this study was to compare treatment outcomes of an internet-based intervention with a face-to-face intervention for young children with excessive screen-time and ASD-like symptoms. A total of 40 mother-young children with excessive screen-time and ASD-like symptoms dyads were assigned to the Internet-based (n = 20) and to the face-to-face intervention (n = 20). Parents in both groups received intervention that involves 7 sessions (one session per week). Primary outcome measures were the Gilliam autism rating scale - second edition (GARS-2), repetitive behavior scale- revised (RBS-R) and parenting stress index (PSI). The analysis yielded no significant between-group difference for any of the pre- to post-intervention measurements. At post-intervention both intervention conditions revealed significant symptoms changes compared to before the intervention. Also, the parental stress was significant related to the child's autism symptoms and repetitive behaviors severity. Internet-based parent training intervention for young children with excessive screen-time and ASD-like symptoms and their parents is equally beneficial to regular face-to-face parent training intervention. These findings support the potential for using telehealth to provide research-based parent training interventions to any family that has access to the Internet.

How have youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder managed quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic? An approach to families perspectives

Quarantine derived from COVID-19 pandemic has challenged children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families daily life and routines. Because of these children unique needs related to manage uncertainty and overcoming situations, an in-depth approach to how they navigated through quarantine urged to better comprehend their current support needs. Forty-seven families with a child with ASD ranging in age between 2 and 17 years old (M = 7.3, SD = 3.4) from the north of Spain responded to an online developed questionnaire on different aspects of their daily life management of quarantine. Most of the families stressed that their offspring better drove quarantine than expected. Some families reported that youth participated more often in families' routines and were more communicative with their parents. Families, beyond some difficulties aroused, had more time to qualitatively spend with their children to teach new skills as autonomy or house care related skills. Families also developed new strategies to manage quarantine, such as structuring their days, using visual supports or new technologies for learning or leisure, and found more useful in this effort their family cohesion, online contact with relatives, and having online psychological supports.

Factors Associated with Resilience in Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

OBJECTIVES

Families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report high levels of stress and poor psychological functioning. Resilience serves to buffer these challenges. Little is known about the factors associated with resilience in these families.

METHODS

Data from the National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH) 2016 were used to investigate independent child, parent, and health care factors associated with resilience in families of children with ASD. We used the NSCH's family resilience composite derived from 4 survey questions focused on (1) communication, (2) working together to solve problems, (3) drawing on strengths, and (4) staying hopeful during difficult times. We defined family resilience as high or low based on the number of questions answered "all of the time" or "most of the time" versus "some of the time" or "none," respectively. Using survey weights, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified associations of child, parent, and health care factors with low family resilience.

RESULTS

We analyzed data representing 1151 children with ASD. Low resilience was reported in 32% of families. Low family resilience was significantly associated with parent factors such as not having someone to turn to for support, cutting work hours, and feeling "child hard to care for"; child ASD-related factors such as moderate ASD severity; and health care factors such as lack of satisfaction in communications with providers.

CONCLUSION

The findings highlight specific vulnerabilities in families of children with ASD that are associated with low family resilience. Intervention approaches that have the ability to improve overall family resilience should be carefully considered.

Social support and post-crisis growth among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder and mothers of children with down syndrome

BACKGROUND

Raising a child with special needs challenges mothers in complicated ways, yet, alongside these difficulties, there is evidence for maternal post-crisis growth. Social support is one element that may contribute to growth.

AIMS

This study explores the relationship between social support and post-crisis growth, examines type of disability as a mediating variable between support and growth, and, looks at the relations between subtypes of support and growth.

METHODS & PROCEDURES

Participants included 99 mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 119 mothers of children with Down Syndrome (DS). Mothers completed three self-report questionnaires: demographic, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and the Stress-Related Growth Scale.

RESULTS

Social support was found to predict maternal post-crisis growth with type of disability serving as a mediating variable between them, such that social support contributes to post-crisis growth only among mothers of children with ASD. In addition, results revealed various correlations between types of support and types of growth.

CONCLUSIONS & IMPLICATIONS

The findings indicate that compared to DS, characteristics of ASD may contribute to less maternal post-crisis growth, and that social support serves as an important predictor for growth in this group. Finding ways to increase social support for mothers of children with ASD thus gains additional importance.

Parents’ perceptions of raising children with autism spectrum disorders in the United States and Arab countries: A comparative review

Four databases were searched to identify studies published by Arab researchers on parents’ perceptions of autism spectrum disorder and studies conducted by US researchers and published in systematic reviews of this topic. The electronic search resulted in 14 studies published by Arab researchers and 55 studies published by US researchers. The results showed that autism spectrum disorder has many of the same effects on Arab and American families. Six major areas were identified in the results. Financial difficulties associated with raising children with autism spectrum disorder were mentioned more in Arab studies than in US studies. Arab studies had more emphasis on gender than US studies. The results related to quality of life of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder in Arab studies were equivocal. US studies included comparisons with families without a child with autism spectrum disorder, and addressed factors that were associated with quality of life indicators. More health, educational, and social services were available in United States than in Arab countries, but some frustration was reported by US parents in obtaining appropriate services in some studies. A higher percentage of Arab studies mentioned the role of religious faith than US studies. Finally, social stigma was evidenced in both cultures, but not much research was available.

Modelling correlated data: Multilevel models and generalized estimating equations and their use with data from research in developmental disabilities

BACKGROUND

The use of Multilevel Models (MLM) and Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) for analysing clustered data in the field of intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) research is still limited.

METHOD

We present some important features of MLMs and GEEs: main function, assumptions, model specification and estimators, sample size and power. We provide an overview of the ways MLMs and GEEs have been used in IDD research.

RESULTS

While MLMs and GEEs are both appropriate for longitudinal and/or clustered data, they differ in the assumptions they impose on the data, and the inferences made. Estimators in MLMs require appropriate model specification, while GEEs are more resilient to misspecification at the expense of model complexity. Studies on sample size seem to suggest that Level 1 coefficients are robust to small samples/clusters, with any higher-level coefficients less so. MLMs have been used more frequently than GEEs in IDD research, especially for fitting developmental trajectories.

CONCLUSIONS

Clustered data from research in the IDD field can be analysed flexibly using MLMs and GEEs. These models would be more widely used if journals required the inclusion of technical specification detail, simulation studies examined power for IDD study characteristics, and researchers developed core skills during basic studies.

Relationship between the broad autism phenotype, social relationships and mental health for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

This study aimed to examine the mechanisms responsible for the association between the broad autism phenotype and depressive symptoms in mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder. A total of 98 mothers who had a child with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 2 and 16 years completed assessments of maternal broad autism phenotype, child behavior problems, romantic relationship satisfaction, friend support, family support, and maternal depressive symptoms. Results indicated that only romantic relationship satisfaction was a significant mediator of the relationship between maternal broad autism phenotype social abnormalities and maternal depressive symptoms, where greater broad autism phenotype social abnormalities were associated with lower relationship satisfaction, which in turn was associated with increased depressive symptoms. Child behavior problems were directly related to increased depressive symptoms. Implications regarding maternal mental health outcomes within this population as well as intervention implications are discussed.

Parental attributions for positive behaviours in children with autism spectrum disorder

BACKGROUND

The present study examined parental attributions for positive child behaviour in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their association with parent outcomes.

METHOD

In total, 175 couples who had a child with ASD (5-12 years) completed measures about the child's positive behaviour, ASD symptoms, functional skills and negative behaviour problems, and their own positive and negative affect and closeness in the parent-child relationship. A comparison group of 170 couples who had a child without a neurodevelopmental disability also completed measures.

RESULTS

Dyadic multilevel models were conducted. Parents of children with ASD believed that their child's positive behaviour was due to factors less internal to the child, less stable and less controllable by the child than the comparison group. Beliefs about stability were associated with closeness in the parent-child relationship. Child age and level of impairment and parent education were associated with parental attributions.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions that alter parental attributions may offer pathways to increase closeness in the parent-child relationship.

'The dots just don't join up': Understanding the support needs of families of children on the autism spectrum

Much research has documented the elevated levels of stress experienced by families of autistic children. Yet remarkably little research has examined the types of support that these families perceive to be beneficial to their lives. This study, co-produced by researchers and school-based professionals, sought to establish these families' support needs from their own perspectives. In total, 139 parents of autistic children with additional intellectual disabilities and limited spoken communication, all attending an inner-city London school, participated in an initial survey examining parental wellbeing, self-efficacy and the extent to which they felt supported. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a subgroup of parents ( n = 17), some of whom reported in the survey that they felt unsupported, in order to gain their in-depth perspectives. The results from both the survey and the interviews suggested that existing support (particularly from formal support services) was not meeting parents' needs, which ultimately made them feel isolated and alienated. Parents who were interviewed called for service provision that adopted a relational, family-centred approach - one that understands the specific needs of the whole family, builds a close working relationship with them and ensures that they are supported at times when the parents and families feel they need it most.

Comprehensive Psychometric Analysis of the Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Many assessment measures have only been validated for one specific diagnostic population, which is costly and reduces the clinical utility of assessments. The Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory (ECBI) is one popular measure designed to assess disruptive behavior problems in youth. The ECBI has sound psychometric properties in typically developing youth, but the factor structure has never been examined in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Therefore, the current study conducted a comprehensive psychometric analysis of the ECBI in children with ASD. Retrospective data from a nationally representative sample was collected from 335 children with ASD ages 2-12 years old. A four factor solution was identified for this sample. Implications of these findings and directions for future research are discussed.

Families of Adolescents with Autism: Facing the Future

The purpose of this report, drawn from a larger study, was to investigate family adaptation in families of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and to determine whether family adaptation is influenced by: daily stressors, uncertainty regarding the adolescent's disability, and use of coping strategies on the family's adaptation process. Selection of variables was guided by McCubbin's Family Resilience Model. A total of 115 family members, all members of Interactive Autism Network, participated and completed the study using web-based technology. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed the independent variables, except use of coping strategies, had a statistically significant relationship with family adaptation. Because few studies have focused on this population, the findings may assist families and health care professionals during this important family life developmental milestone.

The impact of maternal, child, and family characteristics on the daily well-being and parenting experiences of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

This study utilized a daily diaries method to explore the global factors that impact daily general affect and daily parenting interactions of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Eighty-three mothers of a child with autism spectrum disorder between the ages of 3 and 13 years completed global assessments of maternal depressive symptoms, child autism spectrum disorder symptom severity, and family functioning. Mothers then reported on their daily negative and positive affect as well as their daily positive and frustrating parenting interactions for 14 consecutive days. The results indicated that higher levels of maternal depressive symptoms were related to decreased daily positive affect, whereas greater child social motivation impairments were related to increased daily positive affect. Only maternal depressive symptoms were associated with increased daily negative affect. Furthermore, higher levels of family cohesion were related to increased daily positive parenting interactions. Finally, higher maternal depressive symptoms as well as family rigidity were related to increased daily frustrating parenting interactions. Implications for interventions focused on the family system are discussed.

Stress and Parents of Children with Autism: A Review of Literature

The purpose of this review is twofold. The first is to synthesize factors that impact parents' experiences of caring for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD); the second is to identify factors that impact parental stress and parental decision-making to use autism services or not. Parents of children with ASD score higher on levels of stress than other groups of parents. The daily challenges of caring for the child are endless and effect all aspects of the child's care as well as the parent's mental health and ability to manage the needs of the child and family. Understanding more about the challenges parents face will provide direction for research, intervention development, and practice. Accordingly, a search was conducted using CINAHL and Medline. Inclusion criteria included articles available in full text, published in English, and focused on children with ASD distinct from other diagnoses, as well as parental experiences of caring for a child with ASD. Articles (N = 132) that met the inclusion criteria were summarized. Challenging aspects of the child's diagnosis and care are discussed, as well as the factors that impact parental stress and decision-making to use autism services. Recommendations for research and practice include interventional development related to early diagnosis, disparity, access to care, parental decision-making to use autism services, and parental stress management.

Video game access, parental rules, and problem behavior: A study of boys with autism spectrum disorder

Environmental correlates of problem behavior among individuals with autism spectrum disorder remain relatively understudied. The current study examined the contribution of in-room (i.e. bedroom) access to a video game console as one potential correlate of problem behavior among a sample of 169 boys with autism spectrum disorder (ranging from 8 to 18 years of age). Parents of these children reported on (1) whether they had specific rules regulating their child’s video game use, (2) whether their child had in-room access to a variety of screen-based media devices (television, computer, and video game console), and (3) their child’s oppositional behaviors. Multivariate regression models showed that in-room access to a video game console predicted oppositional behavior while controlling for in-room access to other media devices (computer and television) and relevant variables (e.g. average number of video game hours played per day). Additionally, the association between in-room access to a video game console and oppositional behavior was particularly large when parents reported no rules on their child’s video game use. The current findings indicate that both access and parental rules regarding video games warrant future experimental and longitudinal research as they relate to problem behavior in boys with autism spectrum disorder.

Social support and well-being at mid-life among mothers of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders

The present study investigated the impact of social support on the psychological well-being of mothers of adolescents and adults with ASD (n = 269). Quantity of support (number of social network members) as well as valence of support (positive support and negative support) were assessed using a modified version of the "convoy model" developed by Antonucci and Akiyama (1987). Having a larger social network was associated with improvements in maternal well-being over an 18-month period. Higher levels of negative support as well as increases in negative support over the study period were associated with increases in depressive symptoms and negative affect and decreases in positive affect. Social support predicted changes in well-being above and beyond the impact of child behavior problems. Implications for clinical practice are discussed.

Parent and family impact of autism spectrum disorders: a review and proposed model for intervention evaluation

Raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be an overwhelming experience for parents and families. The pervasive and severe deficits often present in children with ASD are associated with a plethora of difficulties in caregivers, including decreased parenting efficacy, increased parenting stress, and an increase in mental and physical health problems compared with parents of both typically developing children and children with other developmental disorders. In addition to significant financial strain and time pressures, high rates of divorce and lower overall family well-being highlight the burden that having a child with an ASD can place on families. These parent and family effects reciprocally and negatively impact the diagnosed child and can even serve to diminish the positive effects of intervention. However, most interventions for ASD are evaluated only in terms of child outcomes, ignoring parent and family factors that may have an influence on both the immediate and long-term effects of therapy. It cannot be assumed that even significant improvements in the diagnosed child will ameliorate the parent and family distress already present, especially as the time and expense of intervention can add further family disruption. Thus, a new model of intervention evaluation is proposed, which incorporates these factors and better captures the transactional nature of these relationships.

Marital quality and psychological adjustment among mothers of children with ASD: cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships

Using data drawn from a longitudinal study of families of children with ASD, the current study examined the impact of marital quality on three indicators of maternal psychological adjustment: depressed mood, parenting efficacy, and subjective well-being. Multiple regression analyses indicated marital quality to be a significant cross-sectional and longitudinal predictor of maternal adjustment. In the cross-sectional regressions, marital quality negatively predicted maternal depression and positively predicted parenting efficacy, and well-being, while in the longitudinal regressions, initial levels of marital quality negatively predicted maternal depressed mood and positively predicted well-being at follow-up. Longitudinal regression results also revealed that marital quality mediated the relationship between family SES and maternal well-being. Study limitations and implications are discussed.

Effects of a father-based in-home intervention on perceived stress and family dynamics in parents of children with autism

Parents of children with autism report high rates of stress. Parental differences in stress are inconsistent, with most research indicating that mothers report higher levels of stress than fathers. We explored parental differences before and after an in-home training program. Fathers were taught an intervention designed to improve their child's social reciprocity and communication; they then trained mothers. Stress was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, and family dynamics was assessed with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II. Both mothers and fathers reported high preintervention levels of stress. After intervention, fathers' stress was reduced, but not significantly, possibly because of the variability in fathers' scores; mothers' stress scores were significantly reduced. Parenting styles were significantly different before and after intervention. Interdisciplinary teams, including occupational therapists, nurses, and special educators, can work.together to have a positive impact on the lives of families of children with autism.

Feeling good, feeling bad: influences of maternal perceptions of the child and marital adjustment on well-being in mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder

Mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder (n = 49) participated in a 30-day diary study which examined associations between mothers' positive and negative perceptions of their children, marital adjustment, and maternal well-being. Hierarchical linear modeling results revealed that marital adjustment mediated associations between positive perceptions and maternal well-being. Mothers who reported higher levels of positive perceptions of the child were higher in marital adjustment and well-being. Results also revealed that marital adjustment moderated the relation between negative perceptions and negative maternal affect. Mothers low in marital adjustment had a positive association between negative maternal perceptions of the child and negative maternal affect. These findings highlight the dynamic roles that mothers' perceptions and marital adjustment play in determining maternal psychological outcomes.

Quality of life: a key variable to consider in the evaluation of adjustment in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and in the development of relevant support and assistance programmes

PURPOSE

Our primary objective was to identify cognitive and behavioural profiles that affect adjustment, in order to make relevant recommendations about support and assistance for parents of autistic children.

METHOD

One hundred and sixty French parents completed a battery of questionnaires and self-report measures developed or adapted to assess (1) the child and family situations; (2) perceived stress; (3) perceived social support; (4) perceived control; (5) coping strategies; and (6) quality of life.

RESULTS

The psychometric properties of the instruments we used proved to be adequate. Our results support the pre-existing data and our findings may prove to be of interest to clinicians. Our primary finding was that emotion-focused coping strategies seem to be less effective. Parents who employed emotion-focused strategies were more stressed and more disturbed in most parts of their life. They also experienced more guilt and reported more false beliefs about PDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data underscore the need for psychoeducation programmes for parents, focused on handling stress and emotions, modifying false beliefs and solving the daily problems that arise from PDD. We propose a 5-axis intervention model for parents of children with PDD, based on cognitive-behavioural therapies and on a stress management programme.

Quality of life: a key variable to consider in the evaluation of adjustment in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders and in the development of relevant support and assistance programmes

PURPOSE

Our primary objective was to identify cognitive and behavioural profiles that affect adjustment, in order to make relevant recommendations about support and assistance for parents of autistic children.

METHOD

One hundred and sixty French parents completed a battery of questionnaires and self-report measures developed or adapted to assess (1) the child and family situations; (2) perceived stress; (3) perceived social support; (4) perceived control; (5) coping strategies; and (6) quality of life.

RESULTS

The psychometric properties of the instruments we used proved to be adequate. Our results support the pre-existing data and our findings may prove to be of interest to clinicians. Our primary finding was that emotion-focused coping strategies seem to be less effective. Parents who employed emotion-focused strategies were more stressed and more disturbed in most parts of their life. They also experienced more guilt and reported more false beliefs about PDD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data underscore the need for psychoeducation programmes for parents, focused on handling stress and emotions, modifying false beliefs and solving the daily problems that arise from PDD. We propose a 5-axis intervention model for parents of children with PDD, based on cognitive-behavioural therapies and on a stress management programme.

Marital satisfaction and parenting experiences of mothers and fathers of adolescents and adults with autism

The association of marital satisfaction with parenting burden and quality of the parent?child relationship was examined in 91 married mothers and fathers of co-residing adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders. Within-couple differences between mothers and fathers in how child characteristics related to these parenting experiences were also evaluated. Multilevel modeling was used to control for the dependency in couple data. Marital satisfaction was an important predictor of parenting experiences, particularly for fathers. Mothers reported feeling closer to their son or daughter than did fathers. Fathers' parenting experiences were more strongly impacted by child characteristics than were mothers' parenting experiences. Results emphasized the connection between the marital relationship and parenting experiences and overlapping but unique experiences of mothers and fathers.

Parent-child DRD4 genotype as a potential biomarker for oppositional, anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder

The primary objective of the present study was to examine whether a combination of parent-child DRD4 genotypes results in more informative biomarkers of oppositional, separation anxiety, and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Based on prior research indicating the 7-repeat allele as a potential risk variant, participants were sorted into one of four combinations of parent-child genotypes. Owing to the possibility of parent-of-origin effects, analyses were conducted separately for mother-child (MC) and father-child (FC) dyads. Mothers completed a validated DSM-IV-referenced rating scale. Partial eta-squared (ηp(2)) was used to determine the magnitude of group differences: 0.01-0.06=small, 0.06-0.14=moderate, and >0.14=large. Analyses indicated that children in MC dyads with matched genotypes had the least (7-/7-) and most (7+/7+) severe mother-rated oppositional-defiant (ηp(2)=0.11) and separation anxiety (ηp(2)=0.19) symptoms. Conversely, youths in FC dyads with matched genotypes had the least (7-/7-) and most (7+/7+) severe obsessive-compulsive behaviors (ηp(2)=0.19) and tics (ηp(2)=0.18). Youths whose parents were both noncarriers had less severe tics than peers with at least one parental carrier, and the effect size was large (ηp(2)=0.16). There was little evidence that noncarrier children were rated more severely by mothers who were carriers versus noncarriers. Transmission Disequilibrium Test analyses provided preliminary evidence for undertransmission of the 2-repeat allele in youths with more severe tics (p=0.02). Parent genotype may be helpful in constructing prognostic biomarkers for behavioral disturbances in ASD; however, findings are tentative pending replication with larger, independent samples.

Daily experiences among mothers of adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorder

In the present study, 96 co-residing mothers of adolescents and adults with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) participated in an 8-day diary study and reported on their daily experiences. In comparison with a nationally representative sample of mothers of children without disabilities, mothers of adolescent and adult children with ASD spent significantly more time providing childcare and doing chores, and less time in leisure activities. Fatigue, arguments, avoided arguments, and stressful events were also more common among mothers of individuals with ASD. However, mothers of individuals with ASD reported similar levels of positive interactions and volunteerism as the comparison group. Daily experiences were subsequently related to well-being in both groups. These findings highlight the need for family support services.