title: 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.
  
  
  METHODS
  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 children's illegal behaviours, parents of children with ASD struggled with their children's tantrums and anxieties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supports must be tailored to meet the specific needs of parents of children with different types of disabilities.
authors.affiliation: Psychology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, Ontario, P3E 2C6, Canada. swatson@laurentian.ca
authors.forename: Shelley L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: Stephanie A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Hayes
authors.forename: Kelly D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Coons
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Radford-Paz
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D016487:Parenting / Q000523:psychology*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult