The impact of sleep disturbances and other factors on the quality of life of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

Gundogdu U., PERDAHLI FİŞ N., Ceylan B. G., Bakırcıoglu M. S., Seven İ., Medet D.

Current Psychology, 2024 (SSCI) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Basım Tarihi: 2024
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1007/s12144-024-06901-w
  • Dergi Adı: Current Psychology
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, IBZ Online, BIOSIS, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, Psycinfo
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Behavioral challenges, Daily living skills, Emotional functionality, Quality of life (QoL), Social skills
  • Marmara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

This study explores both behavioral and skill disparities between children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their typically developing (TD) peers, assessing how these differences influence the quality of life (QoL) of mothers with children who have ASD. The sample of participants included the mothers of 46 children with ASD (27 boys and 19 girls) and the mothers of 45 TD children (26 boys and 19 girls). The average age of the children with ASD was 57.96 ± 12.42 months. The average age of the TD children was 53.64 ± 13.13 months. Comparative analyses were conducted using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) scale, the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale 3, The PedsQL (Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory) Family Impact Module, and Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC). Analyses of mothers’ QoL revealed that behavioral challenges in children with ASD negatively affect the physical, emotional, social, cognitive, and communicative aspects of mothers’ lives. Significant correlations and multiple regression analyses highlighted the relationships between children’s behavioral characteristics and the QoL of their mothers. Notably, sleep difficulties in children with ASD, such as issues with initiation and maintenance, were found to adversely impact the physical and emotional health of mothers. The study demonstrates the extensive impact of ASD, not only on the individuals but also on their mothers, suggesting a need for a more inclusive approach to the management of ASD.