Article

Parents of children with autism report high rates of stress. Parental differences
in stress are inconsistent, with most research indicating that mothers report
higher levels of stress than fathers. We explored parental differences before and
after an in-home training program. Fathers were taught an intervention designed
to improve their child's social reciprocity and communication; they then trained
mothers. Stress was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form, and
family dynamics was assessed with the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation
Scales II. Both mothers and fathers reported high preintervention levels of
stress. After intervention, fathers' stress was reduced, but not significantly,
possibly because of the variability in fathers' scores; mothers' stress scores
were significantly reduced. Parenting styles were significantly different before
and after intervention. Interdisciplinary teams, including occupational
therapists, nurses, and special educators, can work.together to have a positive
impact on the lives of families of children with autism.

Langue : ANGLAIS