The Need for an Ecological Approach to Parental Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Combined Role of Individual and Environmental Factors

This study aimed to identify parental stress predictors in ASD by considering individual and environmental factors in an ecological approach. Participants were 115 parents of children with ASD aged from 3 to 10 years. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to determine the best predictors of parental stress among child-related, parent-related and environmental factors. Poor quality interactions within the extended family, high levels of expressed emotion and absence of children's schooling were associated with higher stress, regardless of the child's age and developmental quotient [F (3) = 37.051; p < 0.001; Adj. R-2 = 0.457]. This study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors, specifically family variables, to understand parental stress. These key findings should be considered when designing support programs.