Yes, I know to mention the words 'parenting stress' and 'autism' in the same sentence requires some caution. I know some people don't like to talk about this and related topics (see here). But obscuring such important research from view for fear of upsetting people or impacting on any 'positive PR' does little to approach an issue that is seemingly so widespread (see here).
So what are the key points to take away from both papers on this topic?
1. "Caregivers of an ASD [autism spectrum disorder] child perceived significant stress while taking care of their children." Not exactly a novel results I grant you, but important to reiterate.
2. Autism plus learning disability seems to increase the 'perceived' stress.
3. Parental stress may well present as physiological stress. This is particularly important in relation to the measurement of something called cortisol.
OK, there's nothing earth-shattering about such findings. They again imply that as and when a child receives a diagnosis of autism or ASD, parents or primary caregivers might also benefit from some information on what they might expect and what they can do when it comes to coping with stress. Caring for the carers (see here) and offering things like respite care to those who need it (see here) sound like good initiatives. Bear also in mind, that parenting a child with autism is often done alongside parenting other children too, and what effect that can sometimes have on them (see here)...
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[1] Nik Adib NA. et al. Perceived Stress among Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A State-Wide Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Apr 25;16(8). pii: E1468.
[2] Pattini E. et al. Psychological characteristics and physiological reactivity to acute stress in mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Stress Health. 2019 Apr 26.
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