A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison reveals that mothers of kids and adults on the autism spectrum experience chronic stress comparable to combat soldiers and struggle with frequent fatigue and work interruptions.
For eight days, researchers measured the hormone levels of a group of moms and interviewed them regarding their experiences. They found that these mothers spend two hours more in caregiving than moms of kids and adults without disabilities and are twice as likely to be tired. Work interruptions occur one of four days compared to one in 10 days for typical moms. They are also three times as likely to experience a stressful event.
According to the two reports published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, the low levels of hormones associated with stress in these moms was the same as people experiencing chronic stress, such as soldiers in combat.
The author of the study, Marsha Mailick Seltzer, stated:
"The mothers of children with high levels of behavior problems have the most pronounced physiological profile of chronic stress, but the long-term effect on their physical health is not yet known."
Such hormone levels affect glucose regulation, immune functioning and mental activity.
On any given day these moms were also twice as likely to be tired and three times as likely to have experienced a stressful event.
One New Jersey Mom wrote,
"It's more than just the daily behaviors/teaching/special diets, etc., but also dealing with the outside of the home situations, other people, professionals, etc. & of course ever present concerns about a very uncertain future."
Leann Smith, a developmental psychologist at the University of Wisconsin Madison states,
“On a day-to-day basis, the mothers in our study experience more stressful events and have less time for themselves compared to the average American mother. We need to find more ways to be supportive of these families.”
Researchers say that parents need better respite options, flexibility from their employers, and accessible programs to manage behavior problems.
What say you? Are you the Mom of an autistic child or adult? How are your stress levels? Weigh in.
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