Shelley L. Watson

The Impact of Parenting Stress: A Meta-analysis of Studies Comparing the Experience of Parenting Stress in Parents of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Researchers commonly report that families of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more parenting stress than families of typically developing (TD) children or those diagnosed with other disabilities [e.g., Down syndrome (DS), cerebral palsy, intellectual disability]. The authors reexamined the research using comparison groups to investigate parenting stress and conducted a meta-analysis to pool results across studies. The experience of stress in families of children with ASD versus families of TD children resulted in a large effect size. Comparisons between families of children of ASD and families with other disabilities also generated a large effect size however, this result should be interpreted with caution as it may be associated with the specific experience of parenting a child with DS.

“Diagnose me Please!”: A Review of Research about the Journey and Initial Impact of Parents Seeking a Diagnosis of Developmental Disability for their Child

Abstract This chapter provides a synthesis of research related to the experience of parents when pursuing and receiving a diagnosis of a developmental disability for their child. How a family perceives this discrete period of time and how they initially react to having a child diagnosed with a disability are important events and involve the direct interaction of the family with a larger community system of professionals. Obtaining a specific diagnosis has the potential to afford many benefits, including access to appropriate interventions, knowledge regarding learning challenges and strengths, and information regarding medical or mental health risks and resiliencies. However, the diagnostic process is rarely a positive experience for families and might therefore contribute to the stress felt by families of children with disabilities. Furthermore, the diagnostic process itself may vary depending on the specific disability and have diverse impacts on families. The chapter concludes with recommendations for future research. There are some people who never know whats wrong with their child and I think that knowing whats wrong at least gives us a hint that hey OK, here are some typical problems that Angelman children run into. We should be aware of that so that we can be proactive in dealing with those problems. I think thats really important and I am glad we got the diagnosis for that reason.

Autism spectrum disorder and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Part I: A comparison of parenting stress

Abstract Background There is a long history of research on parents of children with disabilities, but to the authors’ knowledge, no study has compared the stress of parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method Twenty-five parents of children with ASD and 25 parents of children with FASD completed the Parenting Stress Index – Short Form (PSI-SF) and the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress – Friedrichs Version (QRS-F). Results Although both parent groups reported elevated stress, PSI-SF results indicated that parents of children with FASD were experiencing significantly more stress compared to parents of children with ASD. No significant differences were found between groups on the total QRS-F, but parents of children with FASD had higher scores on the Pessimism subscale. Conclusions The authors call for measures grounded in theory as well as mixed methods research that includes the subjective experience of parents’ stress.

Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Part II: A Qualitative Comparison of Parenting Stress.

Abstract Background Researchers investigating the impact of parenting children with disabilities suggest that regardless of the specific diagnosis, parents experience increased levels of stress. However, particular disabilities may be associated with distinct stressors and strains. Method Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) participated in in-depth qualitative interviews employing a basic interpretative approach. Results Both groups described some similar stressors, such as multi-tasking, the diagnostic process, and dealing with behavioural issues, but there are distinct differences between families of children with FASD and families of children with ASD. Whereas parents of children with FASD focused on their childrens illegal behaviours, parents of children with ASD struggled with their childrens tantrums and anxieties. Conclusions Supports must be tailored to meet the specific needs of parents of children with different types of disabilities.

Adaptation in families raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Part I: What has helped

ABSTRACT Background There is limited research investigating the lived experiences of parents raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The aim of this paper is to use qualitative analysis to identify how parents have adapted to the experience of raising their child with FASD. Method Eighty-four parents and caregivers of children with FASD in Ontario, Canada, participated in in-depth, semistructured interviews employing a basic interpretive approach. Results Parents of children with FASD report a number of strategies, supports, and transformational outcomes. Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, 5 themes were identified: understanding FASD and advocating on their childs behalf, day-to-day adaptation, transformational outcomes, as well as the importance of informal and formal supports. Conclusions Understanding what families do in order to facilitate adaptation is important when assisting families who may not be adapting as successfully. Continued research looking at the family experience of raising a child with a developmental disability, such as FASD, is necessary.

“No Alcohol Is Recommended, But . . .”: Health Care Students’ Attitudes About Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy:

Canadian findings suggest that health care providers require further training and education to support their work preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, the knowledge and training of health care students in relation to FASD remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes and beliefs of health care students about alcohol use during pregnancy. Twenty-one health care students participated in a scenario-based vignette about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Although almost all students recognized that no alcohol consumption during pregnancy is the safest recommendation, many students recounted that this advice is not always conveyed during encounters with their pregnant patients. Three primary themes related to students’ attitudes concerning alcohol use during pregnancy were identified. Health care professionals in training need further education about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the potential health outcomes associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.

“In Medical School, You Get Far More Training on Medical Stuff than Developmental Stuff”: Perspectives on ASD from Ontario Physicians

This study investigated the knowledge and perceived competence of Ontario physicians regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ASDs. Previous research demonstrates that many physicians would like more education regarding diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Twenty-seven Ontario physicians filled out a questionnaire and participated in a semi-structured interview. Findings revealed that despite participants’ high perceived knowledge regarding diagnosis and treatment of ASDs, they feel uncomfortable in providing care for this population. Furthermore, many participants stated diagnosing and treating ASDs is not within their scope of practice. Findings have implications for increasing physicians’ knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of ASDs as well as what is required to enhance healthcare for individuals with ASDs and their families.

Health Care Students’ Attitudes About Alcohol Consumption During Pregnancy: Responses to Narrative Vignettes:

This article explores medical, midwifery, and nurse practitioner students’ attitudes about women who may consume alcohol throughout their pregnancies. Twenty-one health care students responded to a scenario-based vignette addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as well as a semistructured interview, which were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis approach. Two primary themes related to students’ attitudes concerning alcohol consumption during pregnancy were identified: (a) divergent recommendations for different women, based on perceptions of their level of education, culture/ethnicity, and ability to stop drinking; and (b) understanding the social determinants of health, including the normalization of women’s alcohol consumption and potential partner violence. Health care professionals in training need further education about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). In addition, health care students need training in how to engage in reflective practice to identify their own stereotypical beliefs and attitudes and how these attitudes may affect their practice.

La vulnérabilité de femmes monoparentales francophones à risque de sans-abrisme dans une communauté du Nord de l’Ontario

RésuméObjectifCette étude avait pour but d’examiner l’état de vulnérabilité de femmes monoparentales à risque de sans-abrisme dans une minorité francophone du Nord de l’Ontario. Le projet visait plus largement à documenter la quête d’autonomie de ces femmes dans ce contexte précis.MéthodeL’étude reposait sur une approche qualitative fondée sur onze récits de vie obtenus auprès de cinq femmes. Bien qu’aucune femme n’était sans-abri (soit dans la rue) lors des entrevues, deux étaient sans domicile fixe (en état d’itinérance) et les autres étaient à risque. Elles étaient âgées de 20 à 59 ans, ayant complété en majorité une 12e année de scolarité.RésultatsL’état de vulnérabilité représenté à travers les trajectoires de vie a été analysé en tenant compte de leur situation économique, sociale, leur état de santé et les ressources culturelles de chacune des femmes interrogées.ConclusionLa trajectoire de vie de ces femmes nous a fait comprendre que leur grande vulnérabilité s’inscrit dans un espace d’autonomie relative à ce que les organismes d’aide parviennent à offrir, en terme de services, en contexte linguistique minoritaire. Aussi, la triple stigmatisation à la fois économique, linguistique et fondée sur des rapports de genre exigerait une réflexion plus large sur la résilience de ces femmes dans le passage de la pauvreté (économique) à l’exclusion sociale (et linguistique), puis à la vulnérabilité. Enfin, chacun des thèmes abordés dans cette étude nous a montré la résilience de ces femmes résistantes à la vulnérabilité et chez qui la quête d’autonomie est une lutte constante.AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to examine the vulnerability of Francophone single mothers at risk of homelessness in Northern Ontario. The project also endeavoured to document the quest for autonomy of these women in a minority context.MethodEmploying a qualitative approach, eleven life stories were obtained from five women. Although none were homeless at the time of the interviews, in terms of living on the street, two were living with friends and the others were at risk of becoming homeless. All of the participants were between 20 and 59 years old and had completed their secondary education.ResultsTaking into account their economic and social situation, as well as the participants’ health and cultural resources, vulnerabilities throughout the life course were analyzed.ConclusionThe life trajectory of these women showed us that their significant vulnerabilities are relative to the amount of autonomy they are able to secure through the services provided by supporting agencies, particularly in a linguistic minority context. In addition, the triple stigmatization (economic, linguistic and gender relations) requires a broader understanding of the resilience of these women in their journey from poverty (economic) to social (and linguistic) exclusion, and vulnerability. Despite these challenges, each of the individuals interviewed in this study, for whom the quest for autonomy is a continual struggle, demonstrated resilience.