Actual and perceived speedy diagnoses are associated with mothers' unresolved reactions to a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder for a child.

Reaction to a child's diagnosis can strongly affect the parent, but little is known about the aspects of the diagnostic process associated with such reactions. The pre-diagnostic levels of anxiety, depression, and parenting stress of 67 volunteer mothers of children subsequently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder were assessed, along with the children's functioning. The speed and number of professionals involved in the diagnosis were recorded, and mothers completed a post-diagnosis assessment of their perceptions of the process.

Reaction to diagnosis and subsequent health in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

The current study assessed whether reactions to diagnosis are associated with health status for mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder at the time of diagnosis, and whether such diagnostic-reaction resolution status is associated with changes in health status over time. A total of 84 mothers of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with stable reactions to diagnosis over a year, participated. Their perceptions of their physical and psychological functioning, and quality of life, were taken at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later.

Relationship between perceived limit-setting abilities, autism spectrum disorder severity, behaviour problems and parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is high and impacts perceptions about parenting. This study examined the relationship between parenting stress and observer-perceived limit-setting ability. Participants' perceptions of other parents' limit-setting ability were assessed by showing participants video clips of parenting behaviours.