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Exploring fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome
- Authors:
- O'HALLORAN Maeve, SWEENEY John, DOODY Owen
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 17(3), 2013, pp.198-213.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This study explores Irish fathers’ perceptions of parenting a child with Asperger syndrome (AS). Ethical approval was granted by the service provider, and Husserlian phenomenological approach facilitated the exploration. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews of nine fathers in the West region of Ireland. Data were transcribed and analysed using Colaizzi’s (1978) method. The study highlighted that parenting a child with AS is an arduous task, but while there are difficulties, many positive aspects to their parenting experience were reported. Overall, the study highlights the importance of listening to parents and their initial concerns regarding their child’s development. (Publisher abstract)
Factors that affect the physical and mental health of caregivers of school‐age children and transitioning young adults with autism spectrum disorder
- Authors:
- LEE Gloria K., SHIVERS Carolyn M.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 32(3), 2019, pp.622-634.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Although studies have examined quality of life (QOL) among family caregivers of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), little is known about potential differences in QOL based on the age of the individual with ASD, particularly in relation to caregivers’ needs, beliefs and coping mechanisms. Method: This study investigated 132 caregivers of school‐age children and 61 caregivers of transitioning young adults with ASD on measures of caregiving, strain, coping, family needs and QOL. Results: The results indicated that there were no significant differences in QOL based on the age of the individuals with ASD, although parents of children reported significantly more caregiving behaviours, with coping, internalized strain and health information needs predicted mental health QOL. Discussion: Age of the individual with ASD was not significantly related to caregivers’ QOL. More research is needed to determine independent predictors of caregiver QOL across the lifespan. (Edited publisher abstract)
Mindfulness-based stress reduction for parents of young children with developmental delays: implications for parental mental health and child behavior problems
- Author:
- NEECE Cameron L.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(2), 2014, pp.174-186.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Background: Parents of children with developmental delays (DD) typically report elevated levels of parental stress compared with parents of typically developing children. Children with DD are also at high risk for exhibiting significant behaviour problems. Parental stress has been shown to impact the development of these behaviour problems; however, it is rarely addressed in interventions aimed at reducing child behaviour problems. The current study examined the efficacy of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) for parents of children with DD by investigating whether this intervention is effective in reducing parenting stress and whether decreases in parenting stress lead to reductions in behaviour problems among children with DD. Materials and methods: Forty six parents of children with DD were randomly assigned to an immediate treatment or wait list-control group. Participants completed questionnaires assessing parental stress and child behaviour problems at intake and at a second assessment, which took place after only the immediate treatment group had received the MBSR. Results: Parents who participated in MBSR reported significantly less stress and depression as well as greater life satisfaction compared with wait list-control parents. Regarding child outcomes, children whose parents participated in MBSR were reported to have fewer behaviour problems following the intervention, specifically in the areas of attention problems and ADHD symptomatology. Discussion: Results indicated that MBSR may be an effective intervention for ameliorating parental stress and mental health problems among parents of children with DD. Additionally, these benefits may ‘spill over’ and improve behaviour challenges among these children. (Publisher abstract)