Page No: 380-385
P. Priyadharsni and S.Akilandeswari
Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore
Most research on parental stress related to autism focuses on both parents in Western
contexts. Parental mental well-being significantly impacts a child’s quality of life. However,
the unique traits of autism often pose added mental health challenges for parents. This
study examined parental stress levels in relation to the child’s age and the parent’s
gender. An online survey conducted in India used the Autism Parenting Stress Index
and demographic details. Participants included 16 mothers and 9 fathers of children
with epileptic autism across early childhood (3 months–5 years), middle childhood (6–
12 years), and adolescence (13–18 years). Parents of children aged 6–12 reported the
highest stress, possibly due to academic and social pressures. Fathers showed higher
stress than mothers. Key stressors included epilepsy, self-harm, sleep issues, tantrums,
and daily living challenges, impacting both parent and child well-being. This emotional
strain can disrupt the overall well-being of family