The Relationship Between Childhood Autism Condition and Mental Health of Parents of Children with Autism

Abstract

This research study posed one specific question: does childhood autism as a condition directly hurt the mental well-being of parents whose children have autism? To answer the question, the researcher performed a content analysis of existing literature on the subject. The general answer the researcher found is that, indeed, the condition of childhood autism impairs parents’ mental health. This study established that, in most cases, a child with autism’s primary caregiver is their father or mother. This study using content analysis of existing research, confirms that caring for an autistic child contributes to poorer mental health among parents. Even though this study finds no variation in the extent of mental health impacts on fathers and mothers, mothers are more susceptible to mental health deterioration. Therefore, it makes sense to investigate the impacts of childhood autism condition on the psychological wellbeing of parents with autistic children.