Parenting in Families with a Child with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a Typically Developing Child: Mothers' Experiences and Cognitions

Elsevier. 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126; Tel: 407-345-4020; Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.elsevier.com

Y

9

Mothers; Self Efficacy; Autism; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Qualitative Research; Child Rearing; Depression (Psychology); Anxiety; Parenting Styles; Family Relationship; Parent Child Relationship; Correlation; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Stress Variables; Schemata (Cognition); Psychological Patterns

10.1016/j.rasd.2010.01.002

1750-9467

The parenting experiences of mothers in a family with a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and a typically developing (TD) child were studied using a qualitative analysis of mothers' perceptions of the impact of autism on family and personal life. An additional quantitative comparison was performed to evaluate the effect of ASD on mothers' parenting cognitions about their other, TD child. Mothers differentiated clearly in parenting cognitions about their child with ASD and about their TD child. Strong associations were found between mothers' symptoms of stress and depression, and their parenting cognitions about both their children. To maximize intervention outcome, family interventionists should consider parenting experiences and should become aware of interfering maternal feelings and cognitions, such as guilt or low parental self-efficacy beliefs. (Contains 2 tables.)

As Provided

2010

EJ886535