Assessing parental stress and quality of life in families of pre-school children with autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review of the assessment tests used

Abstract

Background : Several studies have focused on the differences between families of children with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) and children with typical development by analyzing psychological correlates of families of children with disabilities. Outcome literature emphasizes those parents of children with autism report high levels of stress and other complexities in adjusting to life. Methods : The authors conducted a systematic literature review designed to explore the most widely used normative and qualitative tests and related reference constructs in the scientific literature during the period between 2009 and 2019. Results : The literature found is very large and the authors decided to identify some categories within which to differentiate the studies collected and the relative tests that emerged that are stress, emotional states, family functioning, personal characteristics and social support. Conclusions : A thorough review of the literature combined with clinical experience showed that in clinical studies the focus on individual constructs is very strong and the subject, in this case the parent, is not viewed as a larger part of a social context, which can be a resource in stress management.