RESOURCE PROFILE OF PARENTS OF CHILDREN WITH AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER: COPING STRATEGIES AND PERCEIVED SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with prolonged psychoemotional strain, the effective management of which largely depends on parents’ internal and external resources. Objective. To determine the characteristics of coping strategies and perceived social support in mothers and fathers of children with ASD, taking into account the features of their anxietydepressive responses, in order to substantiate differentiated targets for resource-oriented medicalpsychological and psychotherapeutic support for families. A comparative cross-sectional study included 150 respondents: 100 parents of children with ASD and 50 participants in the comparison group. Validated versions of the SACS and MSPSS were used; the findings were interpreted in the context of previously established HADS scores in the same sample. Parents of children with ASD demonstrated lower use of seeking social support (22.81 ± 3.52 vs 25.46 ± 1.36; padj < 0.001), higher scores for aggressive actions (19.11 ± 4.46 vs 16.64 ± 1.91; padj = 0.030), and a lower coping constructiveness index (1.19 ± 0.25 vs 1.37 ± 0.20; p < 0.001). The overall MSPSS score was also lower (5.07 ± 0.95 vs 6.38 ± 0.38; padj < 0.001), as were perceived support from a significant other, family, and friends. Mothers and fathers differed in their resource profiles. Parents of children with ASD are characterized by a less favorable resource profile combining lower coping constructiveness with more limited perceived social support. The findings support differentiated targets for medical-psychological support of mothers and fathers.