Prevalence of Anxiety and Stress in Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Review of Literature

Katelynn Jolly and Professor Tonya Huber
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Katelynn Jolly: Speech Language Pathologist Assistant, Master‟s Special Education, Autism Spectrums Disorder Intervention, Candidate, Texas A&M International University, United States
Professor Tonya Huber: Texas A&M International University, College of Education, 5201 University Boulevard, Laredo, TX 87041-1900, United States

Research Journal of Education, 2020, vol. 6, issue 8, 121-127

Abstract: Objective: Mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are likely to develop and experience stress and anxiety due to the overwhelming amount of new information, research on their child’s needs, and coping with everyday hardships. Method: This systematic review analyzed seven recent research articles related to the anxiety and stress in mothers raising children with ASD. Studies were limited to a focus on maternal mental health experiences raising a child with ASD. Findings: All studies examined show a sample of mothers that have anxiety while raising children with ASD. Researchers employed different methodologies in measuring these mothers’ anxiety at either one or two points in time. The strengths and weaknesses of each study were reviewed. Some studies even reported a direct effect concerning the way mothers interact with others and their children as a result of their mental health state. Limitations in most of the studies reviewed showed a smaller sample size than originally intended. Conclusion: While there are many studies that focus on children with ASD, there is a lack of research on the mental health state of their parents, specifically mothers. These parents take on the role of being a provider, advocate, and channel between their children and a world that is rarely accessible to them. Research in this area can greatly benefit new mothers experiencing this, and all parents that may have an unhealthy mental state when dealing with the responsibility and work it takes raising a child with a disability.

Keywords: Anxiety; Autism; Disabled child; Maternal mental health. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:arp:rjearp:2020:p:121-127

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