Responses to Infantile Cuteness Explain the Link between Autistic Traits and Reduced Maternal Attachment

This study examined the link between autistic traits and mother-to-child attachment by introducing two mediators: emotional responsiveness to the infantile cuteness of children and negative parental self-concept. We screened 1,317 mothers and recruited those who have a child with high or low autistic traits based on their Autism Spectrum Quotient score. Fifty mothers in the high autistic and 71 mothers in the low autistic groups participated. Results showed that the autistic traits of children are related to weak maternal attachment. Reduced emotional responses to cuteness and negative self-concept mediated the link. These findings suggest that supporting mothers who have a child with autism spectrum disorder may benefit securing mother-to-child attachment as well as the wellbeing of both mother and child.