Affiliations: [a] Division of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, Silver Lining Pediatric Super Speciality Center, Nagpur, India
| [b] Department of Pediatrics, Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Pune, India
| [c] Division of Growth & Endocrinology Silver Lining Pediatric Super Speciality Center, Nagpur, India
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Nirali Lohiya Silver Lining Pediatric Super Speciality Center, KK business Plaza, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur 440010, Maharashtra, India. Tel.: +91 9712954649; E-mail: ntniralithakker@gmail.com.
Abstract: PURPOSE:Parenting a child with special health care needs (SHCN) is often stressful. This study aimed to measure and compare stress among mothers of children with (a) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - ASD group, (b) Developmental delay without ASD group, (c) SHCN without developmental delay group, and (d) Typically developing group. To assess factors associated with maternal stress in children with developmental disorders. METHODS:A cross-sectional analytical study was performed with children aged 2–12 years and their mothers. The study population was classified into four groups as defined above help of detailed history, developmental & behavioral assessments, psychological assessments, and Child Special Health Care Needs Screener (CSHCN). Parental Stress Scale (PSS) Questionnaire was administered. The main outcome measurement was the PSS and various factors affecting it. RESULTS:The mothers of the ASD group reported a high stress score (50.4±11.4) compared to SHCN without developmental delay group (38.2±8.8) and the Typically developing group (22.3±3.3) (p < 0.05) and higher but not significant stress than Developmental delay without ASD group (45.3±9.6, p > 0.05). Maladaptive behavioral issues and irregular interventions were the factors contributing to higher parental stress in the ASD group (p < 0.05). A moderate positive correlation was observed in rewarding and challenging scores of PSS among mothers of the ASD group, Developmental delay without ASD group, and SHCN without developmental delay group. CONCLUSION:Mothers of the ASD group perceived higher stress as compared to SHCN without developmental delay group and Typically developing group. Evaluation of stress and stressors is crucial for holistic management of ASD.
Keywords: Autism spectrum disorder, special health care needs, maternal stress, maternal child relationship
