Hyderabad: Higher stress levels were observed among caregivers of children, especially mothers, of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) compared to caregivers of non-autistic children, according to a study conducted by doctors from Niloufer Hospital in collaboration with faculty and junior residents from Gandhi Medical College and Hospital and govt medical college, Medchal-Malkajgiri.The study compared 50 children diagnosed with autism with 50 age- and gender-matched children without the condition. Boys made up 74% of the autism cases, showing that the condition was more prevalent among male children.
Autism (file)
Researchers found markedly elevated stress levels among caregivers of autistic children. The average perceived stress scale score among caregivers in the autism group was 21.88, compared to 18.44 in the control group. Similarly, caregiver stress questionnaire scores were substantially higher at 66.58 against 28.2 among caregivers of non-autistic children.“Raising a child with autism often requires continuous supervision, behavioural interventions and support for communication difficulties. These demands can contribute to higher stress levels among caregivers, especially mothers who are usually the primary caregivers,” said Dr Jahnavi Kotamarthi, assistant professor, department of psychiatry, Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, and one of the study authors.The researchers evaluated 37 potential risk factors and identified 14 with a strong association with autism. According to Dr Hrishikesh Giri Prasad, head of the department of psychiatry at Niloufer Hospital and a co-author of the study, parental psychiatric history emerged as a key factor.“We found higher rates of substance abuse, affective disorders, psychosis and other psychiatric illnesses among parents of autistic children. Family history of psychiatric illness and suicidal deaths was also more common in the autism group,” he said.The study also found a higher incidence of autism among children born to younger parents, those whose mothers experienced illnesses during pregnancy and those requiring admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) after birth. Neonatal jaundice and the need for medical treatment during the first month of life were also associated with the condition.“Developmental delays were common among autistic children. Around 64% had delayed speech, while 48% lost some speech skills after initially developing them,” Dr Kotamarthi said. Doctors further cautioned that excessive screen exposure may aggravate traits such as poor eye contact, delayed speech and reduced social interaction, stressing the importance of early screening, awareness and family support.
