Risk and protective factors for symptoms of anxiety and depression in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Objective: The severity of symptoms of anxiety and depression was evaluated in 102 parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and correlated with the severity of their child's behavioral symptoms.

Design: An observational, cross-sectional study.

Methods: The Portuguese versions of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist were used to assess symptoms in the parents and in their children.