Parental distress,marital satisfaction,and functional impairments in autistic children: A family perspective from Türkiye

Abstract

This study investigates the relationships between family dynamics, parental psychological distress, and functional impairment in Turkish autistic children. We recruited 100 families, including children aged 6–12 years diagnosed with autism and their parents. Autism severity was measured using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale. Parents completed validated tools, including the Brief Symptom Inventory and Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale–Parent Form, while mothers also completed the Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale and Marital Adjustment Test. Mothers reported higher functional impairment in their children (M = 0.90, SD = 0.50) than fathers (M = 0.82, SD = 0.46, p = 0.020). Maternal distress was significantly associated with greater functional impairment (β = 0.242, p = 0.028), while stronger marital relationships were linked to lower levels of impairment (β = −0.323, p = 0.001). Autism symptom severity and comorbid conditions were not significantly associated with functional impairment. These findings suggest that maternal mental health and marital satisfaction are related to functional impairments in autistic children. While fathers often have less direct caregiving roles, their supportive presence may also be important. These findings highlight the need for longitudinal studies to clarify whether reducing caregiver stress and supporting family resilience are linked to improved outcomes in autistic children.

Lay Abstract

Raising autistic children presents unique daily challenges for families. This study explored how family relationships and parents’ mental health are linked to the daily functioning of autistic children in Türkiye. We included 100 families with children aged 6–12 years who had been diagnosed with autism. Mothers often reported more challenges in their child’s daily life compared to fathers. Higher levels of maternal stress were associated with greater difficulties in children’s daily functioning. In contrast, stronger and more supportive marriages were associated with fewer reported challenges. These results suggest that family dynamics and caregiver well-being are closely related to how autistic children experience daily life. Supporting parental mental health and strengthening family relationships may help promote better outcomes for autistic children and their families.