Relationship satisfaction and mental health of parents of children with autism: A comparison of autism, ADHD, and normative children

Abstract

This research compares the relationship satisfaction and mental health of parents of children diagnosed with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) to parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and parents of normative children. The analytical sample was obtained from the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health, and ANOVA statistical procedures were used to analyze the data. Results indicate that significant differences exist in relationship satisfaction and mental health between mothers of children with Autism or ASD and mothers of either children with ADHD or ADD or normative children. No significant differences were found between fathers. Implications for clinicians working with this population, as well as suggestions for future research are discussed.