Parenting Stress Among Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Parenting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with increased stress, affecting both family dynamics and the well-being of the parents. Understanding this stress is crucial for developing effective support mechanisms. Objective: The primary goal of this study was to quantitatively assess the stress levels among parents of children with ASD, focusing on the disparities between mothers and fathers. Methods: This research employed a cross-sectional design, with a sample size of 144 parents from various public and private hospitals. Participants were selected based on specific inclusion criteria, including having a child aged 3-6 years with a diagnosis of ASD. Data collection was performed using the Parental Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS 22, incorporating chi-square tests, t-tests, and regression analysis to explore correlations between stress levels and demographic variables. Results: Of the participants, 76.4% were female and 23.6% male. The age distribution was 27.8% (20-30 years), 46.5% (30-40 years), and 25.7% (40-50 years). Educational backgrounds varied: 2.1% under Matric, 9.0% Matric, 19.4% Intermediate, 29.2% Bachelors, 36.8% Masters, and 3.5% PhD. The data revealed mothers experienced higher stress levels, with an average PSS score of 35.4 compared to 28.7 in fathers. Additionally, stress levels were found to be significantly correlated with the child's severity of autism (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that parents of children with ASD, particularly mothers, experience high levels of stress. These findings highlight the necessity for specialized support systems tailored to the needs of these families, informing future research and policy-making in this area.