Empirical validation of a model predicting depression, anxiety, and stress in parents of children with autism

Abstract

Background

Distress in the parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can detrimentally impact parent and child functioning, making the prediction of distress in this parental group particularly important. Model A, developed by Falk, Norris, and Quinn, demonstrated that the relationship between child‐centric variables (child social/interpersonal deficits and child externalised behaviour) with parental distress is mediated by parent‐centric variables (socio‐economic support and maladaptive parental cognitions) in parents of children with ASD. However, this model has not been validated in further ASD populations and therefore its generalisability outside the sample in which it was developed remains unknown. This study aimed to empirically validate Model A for the prediction of distress in parents of children with ASD in an independent sample.

Method

The current study recruited 153 parents of children aged under 18-years with a diagnosis of ASD. Participants completed an online questionnaire, containing measures of parental distress, child social/interpersonal deficits, child externalised behaviour, maladaptive parental cognitions, and socio‐economic support.

Results

Using structural equation modelling, the model was found to be a good fit for parents of children with ASD. These results support the finding that parent‐centric variables are important predictors of distress in this population.

Conclusions

It is argued that parental distress should be considered a key target when working with families impacted by ASD, and that interventions should focus on the parent as well as the child.

Key words:

• autism spectrum disorder
• depression
• mental health
• parental distress
• stress anxiety

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The authors wish to acknowledge the support of Autism Support Providers throughout Australia in advertising the study on which this article is based.