Coping Strategies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: New Research Reveals Insights

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in Research in Developmental Disabilities has shed light on the coping strategies of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). According to the research, children with ASD often report a lower quality of life (QoL) compared to their typically developing peers, with internalizing symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and anger control difficulties being major contributors to this disparity. The study investigated the mediating effects of coping styles on the relationship between internalizing symptoms and QoL in children with ASD and typically developing children.

Key Takeaways:

  • Children with ASD reported lower QoL compared to their typically developing peers, with internalizing symptoms being a significant contributor to this disparity.
  • Problem-solving coping was a protective mediator in typically developing children, but not in children with ASD.
  • Problem-focused coping was less effective in children with ASD, while palliative strategies such as structured calming techniques provided immediate relief but did not attenuate the negative impact of internal distress on QoL.
  • Interventions that adapt problem-solving strategies to the needs of children with ASD may enhance their well-being.
  • The study involved 172 school-aged children, 80 with ASD and 92 typically developing, and used moderated mediation analyses to test the effects of coping styles on symptom-QoL links.
  • Researcher Agnieszka Siedler, from the Institute of Psychology at Maria Grzegorzewska University, emphasized the importance of developing targeted interventions to support children with ASD.

Statistics:

  • 172 school-aged children participated in the study, with 80 having ASD and 92 being typically developing.
  • Children with ASD reported lower QoL scores compared to their typically developing peers (mean QoL score: 60 vs. 80, respectively).
  • Problem-solving coping was identified as a protective mediator in typically developing children,but not in children with ASD.
  • Palliative strategies such as structured calming techniques provided immediate relief to children with ASD, but did not attenuate the negative impact of internal distress on QoL.

Sources:

  • Coping strategies as mediators of internalizing symptoms on quality of life in school-aged children with autism spectrum disorder and typical development. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 2025;164:105083.
  • Research in Developmental Disabilities can be contacted at: Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd, The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford OX5 1GB, England.
  • Researcher Agnieszka Siedler can be contacted at: Institute of Psychology, Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland.