Parenting an Individual with Autism Spectrum Disorder Affects Mental Health of Both Mothers and Fathers

Strategic Insights -

The mental health of mothers and fathers of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is significantly affected by caring for their child with a chronic disorder. Research has extensively studied the effects of ASD on parental mental health during childhood, but limited information exists regarding the mental health of aging parents of the expanding adult ASD population. A study conducted by researchers at Kocaeli University aimed to determine the levels of psychiatric symptoms in parents of adults with ASD and explore the relationship between parental symptoms and variables related to the individuals with ASD and their parents.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that parenting an individual with ASD affects the mental health of both mothers and fathers, with mothers experiencing lower labor force participation rates due to caregiving responsibilities.
  • The most common primary caregiver at all ages from childhood to adulthood is the mother.
  • The study used the Brief Symptom Inventory to assess the level of psychiatric symptoms in 77 parents of adults with ASD.
  • The results of the study suggest that the severity of ASD, behavioral problems, independence level, and social functioning level are associated with the level of psychiatric symptoms in parents.
  • The research aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the protective and risk factors for the psychopathology of parents of adults with ASD, a relatively poorly studied topic.
  • Mujdat Erarkadas and Sahika Gulen Sismanlar, researchers at Kocaeli University, conducted this study with the assistance of Kubra Ozmeral Erarkadas.

Statistics:

  • 77 parents of adults with ASD participated in the study.
  • The study found that mothers' labor force participation rate was significantly lower than fathers' (p<0.001).
  • The Brief Symptom Inventory was administered to assess the level of psychiatric symptoms in parents.
  • The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was used to evaluate the severity of ASD in the case.
  • The Aberrant Behavior Checklist was administered to assess behavioral problems in the case.
  • The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale was used to measure the independence level of the case.
  • The Social Functioning Scale was used to evaluate the social functioning level of the case.

Sources:

  • (Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):33036) - Nature Publishing Group, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • (Psychiatry & Psychology Journal, October 11, 2025; p 494) - NewsRx LLC.
  • Nature Portfolio, Heidelberger Platz 3, Berlin, 14197, Germany.
  • www.nature.com/
  • www.nature.com/srep/
  • (Kubra Ozmeral Erarkadas, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Medical Faculty, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey.)