Predictors of maternal stress in pre-school and school-aged children with autism. Issue 2 (3rd April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zheng, Lidan; Grove, Rachel; Eapen, Valsamma
• Is Part Of: Journal of intellectual & developmental disability. Volume 44:Issue 2(2019)
• Page Start: 202
• Page End: 211
• Publication Date: 2019-04-03
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder -- maternal stress -- behavioural problems -- sensory processing -- adaptive behaviours -- repetitive behaviours; Learning disabilities -- Periodicals; Developmental disabilities -- Periodicals; Mental retardation -- Periodicals; 362.1968
• DOI: 10.3109/13668250.2017.1374931
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1366-8250

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Mothers of children with autism experience high levels of stress. However, little is known about whether maternal stressors differ across children of different ages. Method: This study investigated stressors in mothers of 29 pre-school-aged and 27 school-aged children with autism. Correlation and regression analyses were used to determine if maternal stressors differed between the two age groups. Results: Findings revealed no difference in maternal stress levels across the two age groups; however, stressors for each age group were different. Stressors in the school-aged group were related to repetitive behaviours, sensory sensitivities, and problematic behaviours, while stressors in the pre-school-aged group were mainly related to adaptive behaviours. Conclusions: These findings are informative for practitioners and highlight the need for tailored supports and therapies for mothers of children with autism of different ages.