Parental stress in autistic parents: The counseling effects

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s787-s787
Author(s):  
R. Ferrara ◽  
M. Esposito
Keyword(s):  
Parental Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Counseling Intervention ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Treatment Centre ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionIn parents of autistic children there are high levels of stress. For parents, counseling can help them face the world of autism through the many stressors they experiment.ObjectivesTo evidence a possible effect of the counseling intervention on parental stress.MethodsThe sample consisted of 24 parents (mean age = 38.7) of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder related to the treatment centre “Una breccia nel muro”. Parents’ group was randomly divided into two subgroups, the first (EG experimental group) consists in 12 parents, which were included in a counseling treatment of six months (one meeting of 2 hours every 15 days), while the other subgroup parents, (CG control group) were not included. We used parenting stress index–short form (PSI-SF) before counseling intervention (T0) and after (T1) with every parent. PSI values stress level in following scales: parental distress (PD), parent-child dysfunctional interaction (PCDI) and difficult child characteristics (DC). Figure 1 shows all the variables in each group at T0 and T1.ResultsThen a 2-tail t-test was separately carried out for each group (Counseling Yes; Counseling No). Counseling Yes: PD (t22 = .70, P = .49); PCDI (t22 = .72, P = .47); DC (t22 = 2.23, P = .03); Tot Stress (t22 = 1.04, P = .3). Counseling No: PD (t22 = .82, P = .42); PCDI (t22 = 1.7, P = .09); DC (t22 = .59, P = .56); Tot Stress (t22 = .72, P = .48)ConclusionsOur data confirm the positive effects of counseling especially on the difficulties related to children (DC scale).Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Parental Stress and Disability in Offspring: A Snapshot during the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1040
Author(s):  
Martina Siracusano ◽  
Assia Riccioni ◽  
Leonardo Emberti Gialloreti ◽  
Eugenia Segatori ◽  
Lucrezia Arturi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parental Stress ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disorders ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Sotos Syndrome ◽  
Typical Development ◽  
Genetic Syndromes ◽  
Neurodevelopmental Disabilities

Parenting a child with a disability, such as neurodevelopmental disorders and genetic syndromes, implies a high level of stress. During the COVID-19 outbreak—as a period implying additional challenges—few studies have specifically investigated caregivers’ distress among neurodevelopmental disabilities. The objective of the study is to investigate whether during the COVID-19 pandemic, the level of parental stress differs between four disability groups including neurodevelopmental disorders (autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) and genetic syndromes (Rett syndrome (RTT), Sotos syndrome (SS)) in comparison to families with typical development offspring (TD). In total, 220 Italian parents of children affected by neurodevelopmental disabilities (74 ASD, 51 ADHD, 34 SS, 21 RTT, 40 TD; age M 9.4 ± SD 4.2) underwent a standardized evaluation for stress related to parenting through the self-report questionnaire, Parental Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). The main findings show greater levels of parental stress—mainly linked to child behavioral characteristics rather than parental sense of competence—in parents of children affected by a disability in comparison to children with typical development. This study highlights the need to support not only individuals with special needs but also their own caregivers: core figures in the management and outcome of children disorders.

scholarly journals 1. Neuropsychiatric disorders and parental stress during the covid-19 pandemic: an Italian retrospective longitudinal study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-9
Author(s):  
Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino ◽  
Francesca Operto ◽  
Valeria De Simone ◽  
Valentina Vivenzio ◽  
Chiara Scuoppo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Behavioral Problems ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Telephone Interview ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
The Impact

Aim: The objective of our study is to evaluate the impact that the COVID-19 emergency and the related measures adopted have had on the family management of minors with neuropsychiatric disorders. Another objective of this study is to carry out a first longitudinal evaluation of this impact on parental stress, comparing the data collected before the pandemic with those collected during the lockdown. Methods: This is an observational study that involved 271 families of patients already treated at the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the Salerno University Hospital between 2 and 23 years (112 with Autism Spectrum Disorder, 86 with epilepsy and 73 with other disorders of neurodevelopment). All participants were given an ad hoc telephone interview and a standardized questionnaire (PSI - Parenting Stress Index-Short Form). The telephone interview showed that a significant percentage of parents reported an increase in their child's daily management difficulties during the lock-down and emotional / behavioral problems, in particular the externalizing disorder. Comparison of the mean scores of the PSI-SF questionnaires completed before and during the lockdown showed a statistically significant increase in scores in the Total Stress scale and in the Parental Distress subscales. Results & Conclusion: The results of our study suggest that the confinement measures and changes in daily routine imposed by quarantine negatively affected the behavioral and emotional dimensions of both children and parents causing a significant increase in parental stress, which is mainly related to feelings of inadequacy in relation to their role in such a delicate situation, and concern for the future.

scholarly journals The Effects of False-positive Result in Newborn Congenital Hypothyroidism Screening to Parents in Guangxi, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Si-Jing Tu ◽  
Xiao-Fei Zhang ◽  
Chen Jin ◽  
Bi-Yan Wang ◽  
Chao Luo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Hypothyroidism ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
False Positive ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Influence Factors ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Major Influence ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Demographic Impact

Abstract Background: As more than 200,000 neonates participate in newborn congenital hypothyroidism (CH) screening in Guangxi each year, the overall number of false positives has increased. Concerns arise regarding the potential demographic impact on parental stress and knowledge of CH results has emerged. Methods: 255 parents were invited to participate in the false-positive (FP) group, and 1040 parents were invited to participate in the control group. After providing consent, the parents completed a semistructured questionnaire on demographic characteristics, knowledge of CH and the parental stress index-short form (PSI-SF). Results: The parents in the FP group had better knowledge of CH and higher PSI scores than did the parents in the control group (both P <0.001). The result of Logistic Regression showed that the major influence factors of knowledge of CH were FP experience and source of knowledge (both P <0.001). The parents in the FP group who were well-informed during the recall phone call had lower PSI scores than did the other parents (P = 0.001). The results suggested that FP screening results may affect parental stress and the parent-child relationships. Conclusion: Targeted health education should be carried out to increase prospective parents’ knowledge of NBS and reduce parental stress when false-positive results are received.

The relationship between chronic paediatric feeding disorders and caregiver stress

2020 ◽  
pp. 136749352090538
Author(s):  
Alan H Silverman ◽  
Gina Erato ◽  
Praveen Goday
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health Professionals ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Hierarchical Regression ◽  
Feeding Disorders ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Older Children ◽  
Child Development Inventory ◽  
The Relationship

Paediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) are common. Earlier studies have shown an association between PFD and caregiver stress, but these studies have been hampered by insufficient power. This study reports stress for caregivers of children diagnosed with PFD. These caregivers were then compared to community norms of the Parental Stress Index–Short Form. Caregivers also completed the Mealtime Behaviour Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist and Child Development Inventory. Linear regression and hierarchical regression analyses assessed the relationship among the variables. Caregivers of 840 children with PFD responded. Negative child behaviours and lower child developmental function predicted higher levels of total parenting stress, parental distress, parent–child dysfunctional interaction and caregiver perceptions of their child as difficult. Higher rates of child internalizing and externalizing problems and child mealtime aggression were associated with parent perceptions of their child as difficult and contributed to total parental stress. Parents of older children reported higher levels of stress, whereas parents of younger children were more likely to be defensive responders. Overall, parents of children with PFD have more caregiver-related stress. These caregivers may benefit from consultations with mental health professionals to provide the most appropriate care to affected families.

Couple satisfaction and parenting stress in parents of children with ASD

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S685-S685
Author(s):  
V. Guerriero ◽  
I. Fioravanti ◽  
M. Petrillo ◽  
M. Di Renzo ◽  
G.C. Zavattini
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Parenting Stress ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Dyadic Adjustment ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Couple Satisfaction ◽  
Couple Adjustment

IntroductionLiterature on parents’ adjustment in families with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children highlights on one hand that raising a child with ASD represent a higher stressful experience comparing to families of children with other disabilities and families of children with typical development. On the other hand, a recent systematic review on relationship satisfaction of these parents stressed the very lower levels of couple satisfaction in parents raising a child with ASD. Give that, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between relationship satisfaction and parental stress in a sample of parents of ASD children.Method70 parents were recruited (34 = M and 36 = F) to sign the following self-reports: Parenting stress index-short-form (PSI-SF), to assess stress relative to parental role, and dyadic adjustment scale (DAS), to assess couple satisfaction.ResultsThe analysis showed no differences between mothers and fathers respect to investigated variables. Negative correlations between almost all subscales of the PSI-SF and the subscales of DAS emerged. Moreover, from the regression analysis performed, it can be concluded that the values of the total score of the DAS predicts the PSI-SF total score.ConclusionsIn accordance with and building on the achievements of previous studies, these data illustrate a positive influence of couple adjustment on parental stress in parents of ASD children, supporting the hypothesis that relationship satisfaction emerge as a protective variables in the process of parental adaptation.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

A study of mood status in children with type I diabetes mellitus: Relationship with parental stress and metabolic control

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S404-S404
Author(s):  
M. Abdelhameed ◽  
B. Ali
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Control ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Type I Diabetes ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type I ◽  
Control Frequency ◽  
Diabetic Children ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionIt has been widely recognized that DM can result in psychological, social and physical problems. Parents of children with DM are likely to be highly distressed.ObjectiveThe study of the relationship between mood status of children with type I DM and some factors that might be implicated in its determination.AimsTo evaluate the presence and degree of depression in a sample of children with type I diabetes and how much it might be affected by their metabolic control and the level of their parents’ stress.MethodsNinety-three children were diagnosed with DM type I. They were clinically interviewed and examined. They went through Childhood Depression Rating Scale (CDI), Family Attitudes Questionnaire and HbA1c% assessment. An age and sex matched control group was taken.ResultsThe age range of diabetic children was 7–18 and two thirds of them were females. Thirty-five patients (37.6%) were depressed according to CDI results. Diabetic children had significantly higher CDI total score and total parenting stress index (PSI) compared to the control group. CDI total score was positively and significantly correlated with indicators of poor diabetes control (frequency of DKA and HbA1C%) and with duration of diabetic illness. CDI total score was also positively and significantly correlated with PSI score.ConclusionsDepression was highly present in this sample of diabetic children. The degree of their mood impairment was positively correlated with duration of diabetic illness, indicators of poor metabolic control of DM and to the level of their parents’ stress.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Parental stress and support of parents of children with spina bifida in Uganda

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Femke Bannink ◽  
Richard Idro ◽  
Geert Van Hove
Keyword(s):  
Spina Bifida ◽  
Parental Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Daily Functioning ◽  
Adaptive Behaviour ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Bowel Management ◽  
Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales

Background: Children with disabilities in Sub-Saharan Africa depend for a large part of their functioning on their parent or caregiver. This study explores parental stress and support of parents of children with spina bifida in Uganda.Objectives: The study aimed to explore perceived stress and support of parents of children with spina bifida living in Uganda and the factors that influence them.Methods: A total of 134 parents were interviewed. Focus group discussions were held with four parent support groups in four different regions within the country. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Daily Functioning Subscales and Parental Stress Index Short Form (PSI/SF) were administered to measure the child’s daily functioning level and parental stress levels.Results: Parental stress was high in our study population with over half of the parents having a > 90% percentile score on the PSI/SF. Stress outcomes were related to the ability to walk (Spearman’s correlation coefficient [ρ] = −0.245), continence (ρ = −0.182), use of clean intermittent catheterisation (ρ = −0.181) and bowel management (ρ = −0.213), receiving rehabilitative care (ρ = −0.211), household income (ρ = −0.178), geographical region (ρ = −0.203) and having support from another parent in taking care of the child (ρ = −0.234). Linear regression showed parental stress was mostly explained by the child’s inability to walk (β = −0.248), practicing bowel management (β = −0.468) and having another adult to provide support in caring for the child (β = −0.228). Parents in northern Uganda had significantly higher scores compared to parents in other regions (Parental Distress, F = 5.467*; Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction, F = 8.815**; Difficult Child score, F = 10.489**).Conclusion: Parents of children with spina bifida experience high levels of stress. To reduce this stress, rehabilitation services should focus on improving mobility. Advocacy to reduce stigmatisation and peer support networks also need to be strengthened and developed.Keywords: Parents; Stress; Spina Bifida; Disability; Africa 

Home-based music therapy for children with developmental disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
pp. 1357633X2098121
Author(s):  
Sarah Bompard ◽  
Tommaso Liuzzi ◽  
Susanna Staccioli ◽  
Fiammetta D’Arienzo ◽  
Sahereh Khosravi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Developmental Disorders ◽  
Developmental Process ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Parental Distress ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Clinical Conditions ◽  
Children’S Sleep

Introduction During the COVID-19 pandemic, children with neurodevelopmental disabilities could not attend their usual rehabilitation therapies, with a consequent reduced support of developmental process and risk of worsening of their clinical conditions. Methods We prospectively enrolled 14 children with developmental delay, who had already tried a personalised music therapy (Euterpe method). We included them in a 12-day programme of home-based music therapy. The children and their parents were investigated using the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children and the Parent Stress Index-Short Form. Results Fourteen children started the intervention, while only 12 children completed all the planned home sessions and assessments. We observed a significant improvement in children’s sleep quality and a reduction of parental distress. Discussion The significant improvements in parental distress and sleep quality must be considered important achievements for the quality of life of a child and their family. Home-based music therapy can provide a feasible approach to improving sleep and parent’s stress for children with developmental disorders.

Commercial Exergaming in Home-Based Pediatric Constraint-Induced Therapy: A Randomized Trial

2021 ◽  
pp. 153944922098411
Author(s):  
Tien-Ni Wang ◽  
Yu-Lun Chen ◽  
Jeng-Yi Shieh ◽  
Hao-Ling Chen
Keyword(s):  
Parental Stress ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Self Care ◽  
Stress Index ◽  
Dose Equivalent ◽  
Nintendo Wii ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Motor Outcomes ◽  
Psychosocial Benefits

Constraint-induced therapy (CIT) is highly effective yet not accessible to many families. Integrating commercial exergaming in home-based CIT may support the availability and attainability of the intervention. The study compared the effects of supplementary use of Nintendo Wii in home-based CIT with dose-equivalent conventional CIT. Eighteen children with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to 8 weeks of CIT (CIT) or 4 weeks of CIT, followed by 4 weeks of Wii-augmented CIT (CIT-Wii). Outcome measures included the Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (Manual Dexterity), the ABILHAND-Kids, the WeeFIM (Self-Care), the Test of Playfulness, the Engagement Questionnaire, and the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form. Both groups significantly improved motor outcomes and playfulness. The CIT group demonstrated greater improvement in self-care skills, whereas parental stress decreased only in the CIT-Wii group. CIT-Wii yields no significant difference in treatment effects from conventional CIT and may provide psychosocial benefits.

scholarly journals Effects of Dog-Assisted Therapy on the Physical Function and Communication Skills of Adults with Autism: A Study Protocol for a Controlled Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10650
Author(s):  
Isabel Gómez-Calcerrada ◽  
Ana Myriam Lavín-Pérez ◽  
Santos Villafaina ◽  
Juan Carlos Rueda-Rubio ◽  
Beatriz Rivera-Martín ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communication Skills ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adults With Autism ◽  
Treatment As Usual ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Adults With Asd ◽  
Gait Posture

Background and Objectives: Despite the scientific evidence of the positive effects of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is not still considered an evidence-based practice for this population. The proposed study will aim to evaluate the effects of a dog-assisted therapy program on gait, posture, and communication skills. Materials and Methods: A total of 24 adults with ASD will participate in this non-randomized controlled trial. The experimental group will involve 12 participants who will receive AAT for 10 weeks, at two sessions per week. The focus of these sessions will be conducting different activities and physical exercises, facilitated by dogs. The control group will receive treatment as usual. The outcome measures will be the ability to walk and climbing stairs, balance, risk of falls and communication skills. Conclusions: The role of dogs as facilitators of the movement may lead to relevant benefits in the gait, posture and communication skills of adults with ASD, improving their ability to perform activities of daily living.

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