Relationship transitions for parents of children with autism spectrum disorder: types, turbulence, and transition processing communication

ABSTRACT

This study surveys transitions specific to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), examines how aspects of relational turbulence vary based on the type of transition experienced, and explores the transition processing activities couples use to navigate marital transitions in this context. The study examined the transition experiences of 298 parents of children with ASD who were currently married. Participants detailed an important transition throughout the life span of their child with ASD using open-ended questions. They completed scales assessing qualities of the relationship during the transition and transition processing communication used to navigate the experience. Results demonstrate significant differences in experiences of relational turbulence based on the type of transition described. In particular, the initial diagnosis received the highest ratings for transition magnitude and relational turbulence compared to other common transitions. Engagement in transition processing communication predicted relational uncertainty and facilitation from a partner, which predicted relational turbulence.

KEYWORDS:

• Marriage
• relational turbulence
• relational uncertainty
• transitions
• transition processing
• autism

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1. Brisini et al. (2017) referred to this phenomenon as transition processing activity. To better reflect the role of communication within transitions, we suggest transition processing communication. In addition, we refer to promoting connection and promoting feeling situated – rather than feeling connected and feeling situated – to highlight the communicative aspects of the processing strategies in which married partners engage during transitions.

2. Chi-square tests indicated no significant differences associated with participant sex or ethnicity. ANOVAs indicated a significant effect of time since the transition, F(5, 215) = 3.46, p < .01, such that initial diagnosis occurred longer ago. Results were also significant for age, F(5,217) = 2.78, p < .05, such that respondents experiencing a transition related to the child’s puberty were older than participants who reported a child starting school.