Match or mismatch? Influence of parental and offspring ASD and ADHD symptoms on the parent-child relationship.

Few studies have examined the influence of parental ASD and ADHD symptoms in combination with child pathology on the parent- child relationship as perceived by the child. A sample of 132 families was recruited with one child with ASD (with/without ADHD), and one unaffected sibling. Affected children (regardless of diagnosis) reported lower acceptance and conflict resolution scores than their unaffected siblings, with conflict resolution scores (but not acceptance) being lower than the norm according to both affected and unaffected children in both fathers and mothers. Higher paternal, but not maternal, ASD and ADHD symptoms were related to poorer scores regarding acceptance and conflict resolution, respectively. Treatment targeting conflict resolution skills of parents and the feeling of being less accepted in children with ASD/ADHD may be beneficial.