Symptom profiles and correlates of anxiety and depression among parents of autistic girls and boys

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough it has been reported for some time that parenting an autistic child is associated with elevated anxiety and depression, no direct comparison has been published regarding the relative anxiety and depressive states of parents of an autistic son versus an autistic daughter. AimsTo investigate the presence of differences in anxiety and depression in parents of autistic girls and boys, and to identify if there were any meaningful child-based correlates of those states. Methods and proceduresA sample of 51 parents of young autistic males (M age = 10.2 yr, SD = 2.8 yr, range to 6–17 yr) and 51 parents of autistic females (M age = 10.1 yr, SD = 2.7 yr, range to 6–17 yr) completed the GAD7 and PHQ9. Autistic children were assessed for IQ and autism severity. Outcomes and resultsAlthough there were no significant differences between the two sets of parents’ GAD7 or PHQ9 total scores, there were significant and meaningful differences at the individual GAD7 and PHQ9 item level. Moreover, when examined at the within-child-sex subgroup level, different aspects of the autistic sons’ and daughters’ age and IQ were correlated with specific items from the GAD7 and PHQ9. Conclusions and implicationsBecause these items were somatic in nature, implications are discussed for possible treatment strategies with these parents.