Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

3.9K

Parenting stress among parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Francesco Craig1, Francesca Felicia Operto1, Andrea De Giacomo1

  • 1Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Italy.

Psychiatry Research
|June 10, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) experience higher parenting stress. This stress is elevated in parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but also present in those with Specific Learning Disorders (SpLD) or Language Disorders (LD).

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Clinical Psychology

Background:

  • Parents of children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDDs) report higher parenting stress compared to parents of typically developing (TD) children.
  • The specific impact of different NDDs on parental stress levels requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare parenting stress levels across parents of children diagnosed with Specific Learning Disorders (SpLD), Language Disorders (LD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and typical development (TD).

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study involving 239 children across five groups: SpLD, LD, ASD, ADHD, and TD.
  • Parenting stress was assessed and compared among parents of children in these different diagnostic categories.

Main Results:

  • Parents of children with any NDD reported significantly higher parenting stress than parents of TD children.
  • Parents of children with ASD and ADHD reported the highest levels of parenting stress.
  • Elevated parenting stress was also observed in parents of children with SpLD and LD compared to controls.
  • Higher parenting stress was associated with lower IQ levels and increased emotional and behavioral problems in children.

Conclusions:

  • Interventions and resources are crucial for parents of children with NDDs to mitigate stress and improve quality of life.
  • Targeted support should acknowledge the varying stress levels associated with different NDDs.
  • Empowering parents with knowledge and skills is essential for managing parenting challenges and enhancing well-being.

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAutism spectrum disorderLanguage disordersParenting stressSpecific learning disorders

More Related Videos

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges08:22

Measuring Cardiac Autonomic Nervous System ANS Activity in Toddlers - Resting and Developmental Challenges

Published on: February 25, 2016

16.1K
A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

14.0K

Related Concept Videos

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
1.3K
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
1.6K
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
1.1K
Parenting Styles01:27

Parenting Styles

Diana Baumrind's four parenting styles — authoritarian, authoritative, neglectful, and permissive — each influence children's socio-emotional development differently.
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
848
Psychological Responses to Stress01:20

Psychological Responses to Stress

Psychological responses to stress encompass the various cognitive and emotional reactions individuals experience when faced with challenging or threatening situations, such as a job loss. Prolonged exposure to stressors can disturb emotional balance, increasing negative emotions (e.g., anxiety and sadness) and diminishing positive emotions (e.g., joy and satisfaction). These persistent emotional shifts are associated with an increased risk of both physical illness and mental health issues, such...
840
Relationship with Parents: Attachment01:28

Relationship with Parents: Attachment

Parent-child interactions lay the foundation for how we understand relationships throughout life. These interactions are not uniform across families; instead, they are shaped by a range of environmental, emotional, and behavioral factors unique to each caregiver-child dynamic. Social psychologists study these early relationships to understand how patterns formed in infancy influence social functioning and interpersonal behavior in adulthood.Attachment Theory and Early Relational ModelsJohn...
321