Psychological status of parents having children with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Background: In this research, parents of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face significant psychological challenges due to the complex caregiving requirements of the condition. Bangladesh has performed a limited number of research examining this issue. Cultural and social issues in Bangladesh may significantly influence parental well-being. Objectives: The objective of this research is to ascertain the degree of psychological status of parents who have children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as to analyze the connections between socio-demographic factors and psychological health. Methods: The methodology consisted of performing a cross-sectional survey with 170 parents of children who had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These parents were recruited from rehabilitation institutions located in Savar and Mirpur, Bangladesh. The Autism Parenting Stress Index (APSI), the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were the instruments that were used in the process of data collection. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used for analysis, and SPSS version 20 was utilized. Results: 78.8 percent of parents reported experiencing moderate stress, while 81.2 percent of parents reported experiencing moderate parenting stress. 18.8% of the APS and 16.5% of the PSS were impacted by severe stress. In terms of depression, the majority of parents (80.6% of them) reported high levels, while just 0.6% reported mild levels. It was shown that there was a strong correlation between stress and age (p = 0.004*) and family income (p = 0.048*). Contrary to patterns seen across the world, the majority of main carers were mothers (77.1%). Discussion: Global studies show significant stress levels, highlighting the chronic cost of ASD caring. Bangladeshi studies have never examined autism parents' mental health. Cultural resilience or stigma may explain high depression rates. Primary caregiving by moms reflects Bangladeshi gender roles. Financial difficulty and younger age increased stress, requiring socioeconomic measures. Conclusion: Targeted support programs including stress management workshops, financial aid, and father-inclusive support groups are urgently needed to mitigate caregiver burden. Future research should explore longitudinal trends and culturally tailored interventions. Keywords: ASD, parental stress, depression, social support, caregiver mental health. Words count: 13790