Parental psychopathology and expectations for the futures of children with autism spectrum disorder

• Published in: Journal of applied research in intellectual disabilities Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 98 - 105
• Main Authors: Thomas, Paul Andrew, King, Jake S, Mendelson, Jenna L, Nelson‐Gray, Rosemery O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley-Blackwell 01.01.2018; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Anticipation, Psychological; ASD; ASD severity; At risk youth; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder - diagnosis; Autism Spectrum Disorder - psychology; Autistic children; Child; Child of Impaired Parents - psychology; Child, Preschool; Children; Children & youth; Correlation; Expectation; Families & family life; Humans; Intellectual disabilities; Mental Disorders - psychology; Middle Aged; Parent Attitudes; parent expectations; parental psychopathology; Parents - psychology; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Psychological Patterns; Psychopathology; Severity (of Disability); Severity of Illness Index; Symptoms (Individual Disorders); Well Being; parental psychopathology; ASD; parent expectations; ASD severity; autism
• ISSN: 1360-2322; 1468-3148
• DOI: 10.1111/jar.12337

Background The influence of parental psychopathology and parental expectations on child well‐being is well documented among typically developing populations. However, to date little research has examined the relationship among these factors in families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study examines an observed relationship between parental psychopathology and expectations in families with children with ASD in the light of research in other populations. Method Twenty‐four parents of children diagnosed with ASD were assessed for symptoms of psychopathology. Parents completed measures of child ASD severity as well as their expectations for possible outcomes of their child. Results Two main effects were found: higher parental psychopathology and ASD severity were both related to lower expectations. Interaction of ASD severity and parental psychopathology in relation to parent expectations was not observed. Conclusion These results emphasize the necessity of providing services not only to individuals diagnosed with ASD, but to caregivers as well.