Symptoms of Stress, Depression and Anxiety between Parents of Autistic Children and Parents of Tipically Developing Children

Abstract

shown that this results in psycho-social well being of parents. Objective: To compare the symptome of stress, depression and anxiety in parents of autistic children. To compare the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety between parents of autistic children and parents of tipically developing children. Methodology: This is a quantitative research, the questionnaire used in this study is DASS 42 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress, Scale 42, Lovibond 1995), self administered questionnaire. Period of study is February 2012-October 2012. The sample was 70 parntes of autistic children and 70 parents of tipically developing children. Results: There was significant difference between control and experimental group. Parents of autistic children report more symptom of stress, depression and anxiety that parents of clinically healthy children. Mothers of children with autism show a significant difference in symptoms of stress depression, and anxiety compared with fathers of children with autism. Recommendations: Professionals from various disciplines such as doctors, social workers, psychologists, nurses, therapists who work in institutions that treated children with autism should be trained on the effects of stress, depression, anxiety and psychosocial well-being of parents. Parents should be involved in individual counseling programs, group or family on stress and its effects on stress management techniques. Institutions that provide services for children with autism need to develop treatment programs not only for children but also for other members of the family system so that the treatment process is as complete and efficient.

DOI: 10.5901/ajis.2013.v2n2p345