Mothers Of Autistic Children Research Articles

Effects of Mozart–Orff parent–child music therapy among mothers and their preschool children with autism spectrum disorder: A mixed-methods randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) negatively impacts mental health, particularly in mothers of autistic children who experience heightened stress. Applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and music therapy are recognised interventions for improving ASD symptoms. However, the specific benefits of parent–child music therapy and ABA for autistic children and their mothers remain uncertain. This study evaluated the effects of parent–child music therapy on preschool autistic children and their mothers.MethodA randomised controlled trial was conducted with 100 mother–child pairs assigned to either the control group receiving ABA or the intervention group receiving both music therapy and ABA. Qualitative interviews were conducted post-intervention for 12 mothers.ResultsChildren in the intervention group exhibited lower scores for ASD symptoms than those in the control group. Moreover, mothers in the intervention group demonstrated reduced dysfunctional parent–child interaction, lower overall parental stress, significantly improved family functioning, and increased levels of hope compared with those in the control group. Mothers held positive views regarding music therapy.ConclusionsCombining ABA with parent–child music therapy can alleviate ASD symptoms in children and reduce stress in mothers. Improved parent–child interaction and enhanced family functioning further support the benefits of this combined approach. Parent–child music therapy, combined with ABA demonstrated positive outcomes for autistic children, including reduced ASD symptoms, improved parent–child interaction, decreased parental stress, enhanced family functioning, and increased hope. These findings highlight the potential of incorporating music therapy as a valuable component in the comprehensive treatment of ASD.Trial registrationThis study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial registry (05/07/2021, ChiCTR2100048261, https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=128957). Ethical approval was obtained from the Research Ethics Committee of Fujian Medical University and the study hospital (Fujian Provincial Maternity and Child Health Hospital; 2017 − 105), and informed consent was obtained from all subjects and/or their legal guardian(s).

An examination of sleep problems and parental well-being, comparing families with and without autistic children

BackgroundSleep problems are a common comorbidity in autistic children and adolescents. Little is known about the role of sleep problems in parental well-being in the context of autism. MethodThe current study utilised actigraphy and questionnaire-based measures in mothers of autistic children and adolescents (n = 11), and mothers of typically developing (TD) children and adolescents (n = 11). Actigraphy is an objective, non-intrusive method for examining sleep. It involves wearing a wristwatch-like microcomputer that records motion. Measures included the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Autoimmune Disease in Family Members Questionnaire, Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, World Health Organization Quality of Life Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. ResultsMothers of autistic children had significantly greater difficulties with subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction, than mothers of TD children. In mothers of autistic children, parental use of sleep medication on the PSQI was positively associated with objective sleep onset latency using actigraphy, with a large effect size. Families with an autistic child had significantly more family members with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis than did families of TD children. Families of autistic children had significantly more autistic family members than did families of TD children. ConclusionsMothers of autistic children had significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and lower levels of quality of life and perceived social support, than parents of TD children. Sleep problems identified via actigraphy were associated with parental stress, anxiety and depression, and quality of life.

Altered cytokine and chemokine profile linked to autoantibody and pathogen reactivity in mothers of autistic children.

Maternal autoimmunity, and more specifically, the production of specific maternal autoantibodies, has been associated with altered offspring neurodevelopment. Maternal autoantibody-related (MAR) autism is a subtype of autism that is linked to gestational exposure to certain combinations of autoantibodies to proteins known to be important for fetal neurodevelopment. We wanted to address whether mothers with autism-specific patterns of autoantibodies have a skewed cytokine and chemokine profile during an immune response to infection. To do so, we examined a subset of mothers from the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study who either produced known patterns of MAR autoantibodies (MAR+) or did not (MAR-). We compared the cytokine/chemokine profiles of MAR+ and MAR- mothers in the context of positive immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivity to several viral and parasitic agents. We observed that MAR+ mothers have a higher level of proinflammatory cytokine interferon-gamma regardless of IgG status. Additionally, when comparing MAR+ and MAR- mothers in the context of the different pathogens, MAR+ mothers consistently had increases in multiple proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.

Exploring the Caregiving Experiences and Challenges of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China

The aim of this research was to explore the caregiving experiences and challenges of mothers of children with ASD in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. To achieve this aim, the research employed a qualitative design and used semi-structured interviews to facilitate the collection of rich, qualitative data regarding the experiences and challenges of mothers of children with ASD. The study population comprised mothers of children with ASD in Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China, and purposive sampling was used to select a suitable sample of 10 mothers that was used in the study. The participants were recruited from a rehabilitation center for children with ASD in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data collected from the sample of mothers of children with ASD. Overall, the results reveal that the main social challenges experienced by mothers of autistic children in the region include stigma, inadequate social support, as well as fatigue, stress & anxiety. In addition to revealing the challenges facing mothers of children with ASD, the results also revealed the main coping strategies that can be used by mothers of autistic children in addressing the major caregiving challenges and improving their health and well-being. Thus, this research has valuable implications for both theory and practice.

Recognition of facial emotions training in autistic children - Clinical trial study

Introduction. Disability to recognize emotional and mental states from other people’s facial expressions is acknowledged as one of the major developmental-behavioral problems in autistic children. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of traditional and computer emotional facial training on the recognition of facial emotional states in children with autism and mother-child relation and parental competence in mothers of autistic children. Material and Methods. The present was clinical trial study. The children in the both groups were trained during 10 sessions. In traditional group children training using 40 images related to four situations as happiness, sadness, anger, and fear. The children in the computer group trained with the Let’s Face It software. These questionnaires were completed one day before and one day and one week after performing the intervention. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results. Findings showed that emotional state training has improved the identification of emotional states (p = 0.01), mother-child relation (p = 0.001) and parental competence (p = 0.001) in the both groups. There was also a statistically significant difference between the scores of identifying face emotional states (p = 0.01), mother-child relation (p = 0.001) and parental competence (p = 0.001) in the both groups. But training in traditional group was effectiveness than computer grope. Conclusion. Teaching emotional face to children with autism improved the recognition of emotional states by these children, and subsequently improved the mother-child relationship and motherly sense of competence in the mothers of these children.

Marital Relationship, Quality of Life, and Life Satisfaction for Saudi Parents of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is very stressful for parents to raise children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which can create marital conflicts and relationship dissatisfaction. A variety of circumstances, including the intensity of their child’s behaviors, quality of life, and life satisfaction it plays significant role on the parents. This study aims to investigate the satisfaction of having a child with autism, on the marital relationship, life, and quality of life of the Saudi parents. A quantitative descriptive approach was used. A total of 49 Saudi parents of autistic children completed an online questionnaire. Overall results indicated that Saudi parents with autistic children are satisfied with their life, marital relationship, and their quality of life. In addition, results showed significant differences in life satisfaction and QOL of divorced Saudi parents of autistic children. On the other hand, there was no significant differences of married Saudi parents of autistic children. Furthermore, the study indicate that significant differences wasn’t observed between the Saudi fathers and mothers of autistic children.

Negotiating work and care in Chinese families of children with autism: reframing mothers’ narratives through a social-relational lens

Moving away from an individual and pathological framework and instead drawing on a social-relational model of disability, this article examines the experiences of mothers with autistic children in navigating between caregiving and working life in China. Conducting narrative analysis of 14 in-depth interviews with mothers of autistic children, we argue that their decisions to make adjustments to work are situated in social and relational dynamics of disabled and gendered cultural ideologies, inaccessibility to healthcare, education, and social services, as well as filial familial relationship. As a result, they have to adjust their careers and personal life, such as resigning from previous work and becoming full-time mothers. Although these women constantly experienced a strong sense of loss in terms of their personal and social identity, some developed new perspectives seeing disability, normality, and the meaning of ‘good mother’ in the process of negotiating their work life and motherhood role.

Mental Health in Mothers of Autistic Children with a Medical Home: The Potentially Mechanistic Roles of Coping and Social Support.

Mothers of autistic children often report poor mental health outcomes. One established risk factor for these outcomes is the child having a medical home. This study examined possible mediating variables (coping, social support) in this relationship in 988 mothers of autistic children from the 2017/2018 National Survey of Children's Health (NSCH). The results of the multiple mediation model suggest the relationship between having a medical home and maternal mental health is largely explained by indirect associations with coping and social support. These findings suggest that clinical interventions for coping and social support provided by the medical home for mothers of autistic children may improve maternal mental health outcomes over and above implementation of a medical home.

Higher Interleukin Receptor Levels in Mothers of Autistic Children

Interleukin (IL) receptor expression has been shown to increase significantly during maternal immune activation. It has been suggested that dysfunctional Interleukin activity is associated with cortical dysplasia and ASD-like behaviors. We measured the concentration of 30 cell receptors, including 5 Interleukin receptors (IL-1R, IL-2R, IL-10R, IL-17R and IL-21R) from mothers with at least one autistic child and neurotypical, gender and age similar controls, using immune-arrays. Of the 5 Interleukin receptors, 4 (IL-1R, IL-10R, IL-17R and IL-21R) had concentrations significantly higher in mothers of autistic children, when compared to neurotypical controls.

The psychological impact of the secondary school transition on families of autistic children

The transition from primary to secondary school is a stressful period for autistic individuals. However, less is known about parental experiences of the school transition, and its impact on the family. This study explored mothers’ perspectives on the psychological impact of the transition to secondary school for their autistic children and their families. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, semi-structured interviews were analysed to explore the experiences of eight mothers of autistic children at the end of their child’s first year in secondary school. The analysis revealed two superordinate themes: lack of available support and detrimental psychological impact on the family. Mothers reported the negative impact the transition had on themselves, their child, and the wider family. The importance of pre- and ongoing transition support was highlighted to reduce the concerns of children and their parents throughout the transition process. The findings highlighted the need for autism-specific individualized guidance, as well as considering the potential for transition issues to impact on siblings.

Relationship of autistic children’s self-care performance with coping and quality of life in mothers of autistic children

Relationship of autistic children’s self-care performance with coping and quality of life in mothers of autistic children

Relative Contribution of Anxiety, Depression and Difficulties in Emotional Regulation in Forecasting Emotional Sensitivity of Autistic Children’s Mothers

This study aimed to determine the relative contribution of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotional regulation (DER) on emotional sensitivity (ES) among mothers of autistic children. Methods: Ninety-one mothers (Mean age= 36.4 years, SD = 6.95) participated in this study. GAD-7, HDRS-17, and emotional sensitivity scales were applied in this study. DER was measured with difficulties of emotion regulation scale. Results: Findings indicated that mothers of autistic children exhibit high anxiety, depression, DER, and ES levels. These findings provide evidence of a unique association between ES and anxiety and depression. Findings highlighted that ES is directly related to anxiety and depression, while DER had no influence on ES among these mothers. Conclusions: The findings advance our understanding of how ES is influenced by the most prevalent emotional problems (anxiety and depression) among mothers of autistic children. The results were clear about the unique role of depression and anxiety in predicting the risk for ES. These findings highlight the importance of screening for anxiety and depression in autistic children’s mothers to avoid elevated levels of ES and potentially to protect the mother’s psychological well-being.

Psychological Stress and Perceived Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Autistic Children

Background: Literature has indicated that parents of autistic children face higher stress levels than parents of allistic children (non-autistic children), leading them to experience depressive symptoms that impact their daily lives, reducing their quality of life. This study aims to investigate the relationship between psychological stress and perceived self-efficacy in mothers and fathers of autistic children.
 Methods: This study is descriptive and cross-sectional. A total of 125 mothers and fathers consented to participate in the current study. 15 parents only partially completed the survey, so their data was not included. The remaining 110 cases were included. This left a final sample of 110 parents of autistic children, 100 mothers (90.9 %), and 10 fathers (9.1%). All were biological parents.
 Results: As indicated by the results, all statements in the Parental distress (PD) subscale had a score ranging between high (the majority of items, 10) to medium (two items). All statements in the Parent-Child Dysfunctional interaction (P-CDI) subscale had a score ranging between high (the majority of items, 10) to low (two items). All statements in the Difficult Child (DC) subscale scored high. The whole subscale had a mean score of 4.04 (SD=3.17) with a high score. For correlations, psychological stress was negatively correlated with perceived self-efficacy (r = -0. 34, p < 0.001).
 Conclusion: The stress experienced during the nurturing of children with disabilities is a factor that threatens the psychological well-being of mothers of autistic children.

Comparison of quality of life, anxiety, and satisfaction with rehabilitation services among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders and those without autistic children in Ahvaz-Iran

Background. Mothers with autistic children suffer a lot of psychological and physical pressures that can affect their quality of life, emotional states, and judgment about medical services. This study aimed to evaluate the quality of life, anxiety, and satisfaction with rehabilitation services for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders and of non-autistic children in Ahvaz-Iran. Methods. In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 128 mothers with autistic children and 30 mothers with non-autistic children needing rehabilitation interventions were selected from Ahvaz rehabilitation centers. All participants were asked to complete Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREIF) questionnaire, 14-item Perceived Stress Scale as well as Satisfaction Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using a multivariate three-way ANOVA test. Results. It was found that mothers of autistic children had a significantly lower quality of life score than those without autistic children (P<0.001). However, the two groups had no significant difference in anxiety score (P=0.114) and satisfaction (P=0.079). Factors such as age, education, and occupation of mothers significantly affected the results (P<0.05). Moreover, mothers whose autistic children received rehabilitation services under one month had lower quality of life (P=0.003) and a higher level of anxiety (P=0.025) than those who received rehabilitation over six months. Conclusion. Middle-aged housewives with autistic children had the lowest mean quality of life score among all mothers studied. Mothers with a university education reported a lower level of satisfaction compared to mothers without a university education, indicating a higher level of expectations for their rehabilitation outcome. Practical Implications. Research findings can be applied in managing rehabilitation services for autistic children and their families.

Vulnerabilities Prompting Use of Technology and Screen by Mothers of Autistic Children in India: Lived Experiences and Comparison to Scientific Literature

Technology and screen media has its place in every home, yet the influences of the same are less known. This research aims to explore the vulnerabilities that prompt the mothers to use screen media for their children, prior to a diagnosis of autism for their child. It also aims to explore literature the influence of screen media on speech and language development in children. This study combined semi-structured interviews with 16 mothers of autistic children in Southern India and a scoping literature review that resulted in 24 articles. The literature refers to a positive influence when co-viewing with the child, and it predominantly highlights improvements in speech and not in language. The interviews revealed that screens were used as a means of support, a language and learning development tool, or as a calming technique. Thus, the study shows that the mothers resorted to screen use for their children more out of helplessness, and not as an informed choice. Mothers of autistic children clearly express their vulnerabilities and indicate feelings of being lost without advice, with regard to use of screen-time. This suggests a need for more research into how they can be supported.

Perception of Burden and Stress Among Mothers of Autistic Children in Pakistani Cultural Background

Objectives: The study aimed to explore the perceived burden and stress among mothers of autistic children. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Riphah International University over 4 months, from October 2020 to January 2021. The samples were recruited using non-probability convenience sampling and comprised 84 mothers (23-60 years old) of children aged 3-16 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) from different special education centers in Lahore. A demographic questionnaire, Parental Stress Scale (PSS), and Zarit burden interview (ZBI) were used to collect the study data, which were analyzed in SPSS v. 22 software. Results: Forty-five Mothers (53.6%) suffered from moderate to severe burden with a high Mean±SD ZBI (41.75±10.62) and Parental Stress Scale (PSS) scores (48.67±8.04). Also, there is a significant positive correlation between the two scores (r=0.585, P=0.000). A significant association was noted between the mother’s stress and the severity of autism (P=0.006) and the child’s medication (P=0.008), also between the mother’s burden and the child’s age (P=0.019). Discussion: According to the current study’s findings, mothers of children with ASD perceived a high level of burden and stress. The association was seen with factors of children’s age, severity level, and child medication.

Maternal autoantibody profiles as biomarkers for ASD and ASD with co-occurring intellectual disability

Maternal autoantibody-related ASD (MAR ASD) is a subtype of autism in which pathogenic maternal autoantibodies (IgG) cross the placenta, access the developing brain, and cause neurodevelopmental alterations and behaviors associated with autism in the exposed offspring. We previously reported maternal IgG response to eight proteins (CRMP1, CRMP2, GDA LDHA, LDHB, NSE, STIP1, and YBOX) and that reactivity to nine specific combinations of these proteins (MAR ASD patterns) was predictive of ASD risk. The aim of the current study was to validate the previously identified MAR ASD patterns (CRMP1 + GDA, CRMP1 + CRMP2, NSE + STIP1, CRMP2 + STIP1, LDHA + YBOX, LDHB + YBOX, GDA + YBOX, STIP1 + YBOX, and CRMP1 + STIP1) and their accuracy in predicting ASD risk in a prospective cohort employing maternal samples collected prior to parturition. We used prenatal plasma from mothers of autistic children with or without co-occurring intellectual disability (ASD = 540), intellectual disability without autism (ID = 184) and general population controls (GP = 420) collected by the Early Markers for Autism (EMA) study. We found reactivity to one or more of the nine previously identified MAR ASD patterns in 10% of the ASD group compared with 4% of the ID group and 1% of the GP controls (ASD vs GP: Odds Ratio (OR) = 7.81, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 3.32 to 22.43; ASD vs ID: OR = 2.77, 95% CI (1.19–7.47)) demonstrating that the MAR ASD patterns are strongly associated with the ASD group and could be used to assess ASD risk prior to symptom onset. The pattern most strongly associated with ASD was CRMP1 + CRMP2 and increased the odds for an ASD diagnosis 16-fold (3.32 to >999.99). In addition, we found that several of these specific MAR ASD patterns were strongly associated with ASD with intellectual disability (ASD + ID) and others associated with ASD without ID (ASD-no ID). Prenatal screening for these MAR patterns may lead to earlier identification of ASD and facilitate access to the appropriate early intervention services based on each child’s needs.

MATERNAL AUTOANTIBODIES AS A POSSIBLE ASD-RISK BIOMARKER

Abstract Maternal autoantibody-related ASD (MAR ASD) is a subtype of autism in which pathogenic maternal autoantibodies (IgG) can cross the placenta, access the developing brain, and cause neurodevelopmental alterations and behaviors associated with autism in the exposed offspring. We previously reported maternal IgG response to eight proteins (CRMP1, CRMP2, GDA LDHA, LDHB, NSE, STIP1, and YBOX) and that reactivity two or more specific proteins (MAR ASD patterns) can be used to predict ASD risk in a discovery study. Objective In the current study, we aimed to validate the previously described MAR ASD patterns (CRMP1+GDA, CRMP1+CRMP2, NSE+STIP1, CRMP2+STIP1, LDHA+YBOX, LDHB+YBOX, GDA+YBOX, STIP1+YBOX, and CRMP1+STIP1) and their accuracy to predict ASD risk in a prospective cohort. Methods We used plasma from mothers of autistic children (ASD= 540) and general population controls (not verified as typically developing) (GP=420) collected by the Early Markers of Autism (EMA) study. We evaluated maternal IgG reactivity against each of the eight fetal brain proteins by ELISA and used Fisher Exact Test (p < 0.05) to compare the association for each pattern with child outcome (ASD vs GP). Results We found reactivity to at least one protein in more than 50% of the samples in the case and control groups, suggesting that reactivity to a single antigen is not diagnosis-specific. However, when we tested the nine previously identified MAR ASD patterns, we found highly-specific reactivity in 10% ASD group vs 1% of the GP controls and increased the odds for an ASD outcome nearly 8-fold (p< 0.001, OR 7.81, 95% CI from 3.32 to 22.43) demonstrating that the MAR ASD patterns are highly specific for the case group and could be used to assess ASD risk prior to symptoms. Supported by EPA2P01ES011269-11, 83543201, R01ES015359, NICHD funded IDDRC P50 (P50HD103526), CONACYT-UC MEXUS Doctoral Fellowships 2015.

Parenting an Autistic Child Is Not Associated With the Amount of Facial Emotion Information Needed to Perceive Happiness or Sadness From Faces

One common feature of autism is “flat affect:” Many autistic people do not facially express emotion as intensely as non-autistic people. Although it can be difficult for a casual acquaintance or stranger to infer what someone with flat affect is feeling, some mothers of autistic children report learning to identify their children’s emotions from limited facial emotion information. We investigated whether this parenting experience is associated with the point at which mothers perceive happiness and sadness on faces of individuals other than their children. We used two tasks where faces of strangers morphed from a neutral expression to peak happiness and peak sadness; we measured the point at which mothers first perceived happiness and sadness in these morphs. In samples that were overwhelmingly North American, White, and highly educated, mothers of autistic children (n = 24), mothers of non-autistic children (n = 24) and age-matched non-mothers (n = 24) did not differ in the point at which they perceived happiness and sadness. The heightened sensitivity some mothers of autistic children report in perceiving emotion on their children’s faces may not play a role in how they perceive emotion on other people’s faces, at least in the case of happiness and sadness. Interestingly, however, the three groups of middle-aged women perceived happiness (but not sadness) at an earlier point than a group of young adult women attending a U.S. university (n = 151), a finding that is consistent with socio-emotional selectivity theory.

Lower IGFBP-1 Plasma Levels in Mothers of Autistic Children

IGF-I is an important growth factor and hormone which regulates protein turnover as well as having potent mitogenic and differentiating effects on most cell types.IGF binding proteins (IGFBP) act as carrier proteins and regulators by controlling bioavailability of IGF-I to tissues. We used immune-arrays to measure IGFBP-1in mothers of autistic children and found that the levels were significantly lower than levels in mothers of non-autistic children. IGF has been found to be decreased in autism. We suggest that these low levels are associated with low maternal IGFBP-1.