Angela Sim1, Sharmila Vaz1, Reinie Cordier1, Annette Joosten1, Dave Parsons1, Cally Smith1, Torbjörn Falkmer1,2,3,4. 1. a School of Occupational Therapy and Social Work , Curtin University , Perth , Western Australia , Australia. 2. b School of Occupational Therapy , La Trobe University , Melbourne , Vic , Australia. 3. c Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine and Health Sciences (IMH) , Faculty of Health Sciences, Linköping University & Pain and Rehabilitation Centre, UHL, County Council , Linköping , Sweden. 4. d Cooperative Research Centre for Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (Autism CRC), Long Pocket , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify key factors associated with severe stress in families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to families with one or more children with a diagnosis of ASD. Data from 543 surveys were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-four percent (n = 241) of the caregivers reported severe family stress related to raising a child with ASD. Severe family stress was associated with (1) reduced ability to socialize; (2) not having accessed individual therapy; (3) negative co-parent relationships; and (4) high out of pockets costs due to the child's ASD. The specific ASD diagnosis, comorbid conditions, socio-demographic variables, and social support were not associated with severe family stress. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study highlight the importance of a systemic approach to family stress, whereby individual, family, and ecological factors are investigated.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify key factors associated with severe stress in families raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS: Questionnaires were mailed to families with one or more children with a diagnosis of ASD. Data from 543 surveys were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Forty-four percent (n = 241) of the caregivers reported severe family stress related to raising a child with ASD. Severe family stress was associated with (1) reduced ability to socialize; (2) not having accessed individual therapy; (3) negative co-parent relationships; and (4) high out of pockets costs due to the child's ASD. The specific ASD diagnosis, comorbid conditions, socio-demographic variables, and social support were not associated with severe family stress. CONCLUSION: The findings of the current study highlight the importance of a systemic approach to family stress, whereby individual, family, and ecological factors are investigated.
Entities:
Keywords:
Ability to socialize; co-parent; cost; family systems; individual therapy; occupation