A selective, critical literature revieW is presented on the relationship betWeen stress and the paucity of social supports for mothers of children With autism. The published literature revieWed reveals an association betWeen challenging child characteristics and a mother's inclination to seek social support, With mothers under greater stress being more prone to pursue social support. For mothers of children With autism, informal support appeared to be a more effective stress-buffer than formal support. The cumulative results of several studies illustrated that parents Who received support related better emotionally to their children. Furthermore, loW levels of social support Were the most poWerful predictors of depression and anxiety in mothers.
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