Study Confirms the Amazing Strength of Mothers with Children on the Autism Spectrum

What is it like to mother a child with autism? According to a study published this month in the Journal of the American Association of Pediatrics, the answer is ... complex. The bottom line, however, is that mothers of children with autism are stressed, anxious - and intensely supportive of and connected to their children.

The study involved reviewing findings from a 2003 survey of mothers of 61,772 children who were 4 to 17 years of age. There were 364 children with autism in the sample. Here's what the researchers found:

RESULTS. Mothers of a child with autism were highly stressed and more likely to report poor or fair mental health than mothers in the general population, even after adjustment for the child’s social skills and demographic background. However, mothers of a child with autism were more likely to report a close relationship and better coping with parenting tasks and less likely to report being angry with their child after adjustment for the child’s social skills and demographic background. Having a child with autism was not associated with lower social support for parenting, an altered manner in which serious disagreements were discussed in the household, or increased violence in the household.

CONCLUSION. Mothers of children with autism showed remarkable strengths in the parent–child relationship, social support, and stability of the household in the context of high stress and poorer mental health.

From what I know of families coping with autism, this is a very accurate description of "life on the spectrum." Yes, life is extremely difficult and stressful. Yes, parents (particularly mothers) suffer from a variety of related issues. But at the same time, these families have found a way to love their children intensely, and to seek and find the positive even in the most difficult situations.

For anyone seeking proof that the findings of this study are accurate, take a look at this wonderful collection of notes from About.com readers, describing and celebrating their children, siblings and partners with autism. And, of course, feel free to add to the collection by commenting on this blog. I'll be updating the collection tomorrow, for Mother's Day!