Dealing with Stress of Mothers Having Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The study was designed with the objective to examine the effects of a stress management program on perceived stress, depressive symptoms, and quality of life among mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Informal before and after without control research design (Kothari, 2004) was used for conducting the study in special education schools of Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Lalamusa, Kharian, and Jhelum. A sample of 55 mothers having children with ASD (boys & girls, ages ranging from 5 to 18 years) was selected through a purposive sampling technique. Perceived stress was measured by using the Parental Perceived Stress Scale, depressive symptoms were measured by using the Depression Scale of Symptom Checklist-R, and Quality of Life was measured by using the Quality of Life in Autism Questionnaire at pre- and post-levels of stress management program. The stress management program was designed based on an eclectic approach. A total of 10 group therapeutic sessions of 90 minutes each were given to mothers in six weeks. Five groups of participants completed the program by taking stress management sessions twice a week in their respective cities with the same therapeutic protocol. Findings indicated a statistically significant difference in perceived stress, depressive symptoms and quality of life at pre (M=136.80 SD=20.00, M=42.16, SD=10.38, M=66.03, SD=18.69) and post-treatment (M=75.52, SD=15.75, t=23.2, p<.001, M=9.61, SD=5.67, t=21.96, p<.001& M=109, SD=9.27, t=17.08, p<.001 respectively) levels. Further, findings of ANCOVA highlighted a reduction in maternal stress due to the stress management program rather than the demographic variables of participants. The current study highlighted the need of awareness seminars and training workshops for mothers of children with ASD.