Examining parental stress factors in Hong Kong Chinese parents of autistic and neurodevelopmentally atypical children

Abstract

Background: Parenting an autistic child can be physically and mentally challenging. The approach parents take in response to these challenges can vary and may be related to the level of stress they experience. Aims: This study compared the stress levels among Hong Kong Chinese parents of autistic children, typically developing (TD) children, and those with other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), and their relationship with associated parental and child's factors. Methods: In this cross-sectional online survey, 314 Chinese parents completed self-reported questionnaires assessing parental stress, child's autism and other NDDs diagnosis, broad autism phenotype (BAP), coping strategies, social support, and parental psychological flexibility (PPF). Hierarchical multiple regression was used to analyze the contribution of these factors to parental stress, and mediation analyses examined how social support and PPF might mediate the relationship between: (1) an autism diagnosis and parental stress, and (2) BAP and parental stress. Results: Parents of autistic children reported significantly higher stress levels than other parents. The presence of a child's autism and other NDDs, along with greater BAP traits, significantly contributed to higher parental stress. Social support and PPF were strong protective factors that mediated the relationship between having an autistic child, exhibiting BAP traits, and parental stress. Conclusions: Management for parents of autistic children should focus on promoting social support networks and fostering psychological flexibility to alleviate caregiving burden, especially for those exhibiting greater BAP traits.