Parental Stress in Families of Childrenw ith Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities: Associations with Ethnic Groups and Child Comorbid Symptoms

2012

Lisa Shulman
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718-430-3901

Families of children with developmental disorders frequently report higher levels of stress compared to children with typical development. We examined level of parental stress in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), compared to families of children with other developmental disabilities(DD) and assessed the relationship of stress with medical, sleeping and behavioral problems. We performed a cross sectional study with structured interview in 50 children with ASD and 50 children with other DD, matched by age/gender. Parental stress was reported in 51% of the ASD group and 30% of the DD(p=0.04). Children with ASD presented more co-morbid symptoms: Non Hispanic(52%vs29%p=0.003)and US-born mothers(51%vs30%p=0.04) reported more stress. In ASD group stress was related to child's behavioral problems and gastrointestinal symptoms. In DD group stress was also associated with child's behavioral problems and sleep problems.

Conference presentations and posters presented

Professionals

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