As a practitioner working with families of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), it is crucial to understand the unique challenges these families face. Recent research by Kiami and Goodgold highlights the significant stress levels experienced by mothers of children with ASD and underscores the importance of addressing unmet support needs and effective coping strategies.
The Research at a Glance
The study involved 70 mothers who completed various questionnaires, including the Parent Stress Index Short Form (PSI-SF), Coping Health Inventory for Parents (CHIP), and Modified Family Needs Questionnaire (FNQ). The findings were eye-opening:
- 77% of mothers reported clinically significant levels of stress.
- 62.4% of important needs were identified as unmet.
- Coping strategies were deemed helpful by 81% of participants.
Key Insights for Practitioners
The research provides valuable insights that can help practitioners enhance their support for families:
1. Prioritize Family-Centered Care
Adopting a family-centered care approach is essential. This involves understanding and addressing both child and family needs. Practitioners should focus on building family competency through interventions, resources, and supports tailored to each family's unique circumstances.
2. Utilize Effective Assessment Tools
The PSI-SF, CHIP, and FNQ are user-friendly tools that can be used to assess stress levels, coping strategies, and unmet needs. These assessments should be conducted regularly as family needs evolve over time.
3. Address Unmet Needs
The study found that financial support, respite from responsibilities, and help in remaining hopeful about the future were among the top unmet needs. Practitioners should work to connect families with resources that address these areas.
4. Foster Adaptive Coping Strategies
Encouraging adaptive coping strategies such as positive reframing and problem-focused approaches can significantly reduce maternal stress levels. Avoidance and denial strategies should be discouraged as they are linked to increased stress and decreased well-being.
Implications for Practice
Pediatric healthcare practitioners are well-positioned to screen for high stress levels and unmet needs using validated measures. By prioritizing these assessments, practitioners can guide direct interventions within their scope of practice and compile resources to support families effectively.
Conclusion
This research underscores the importance of understanding and addressing the evolving needs of families with children on the autism spectrum. By implementing these insights into practice, practitioners can significantly enhance family well-being and improve child outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Support Needs and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Stress Level among Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
