Respite Care for Single Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Single mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders are rarely studied, yet they may experience unique stressors. Researchers asked 122 single mothers to complete questionnaires concerning respite care, daily hassles/uplifts, depression, and caregiver burden. More than half (59.8%) accessed respite care, which was provided for 1 h per day, often by multiple sources (41%), such as grandparents and community agencies; most were satisfied with this care. Most mothers (77%) were at risk for clinical depression. While uplifts were negatively correlated with depression, hassles and caregiver burden were positively correlated with depression. Respite care was positively related to daily uplifts, and uplifts mediated the relationship between respite care and depression. Recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and school personnel are offered.
McKay School of Education, 301 McKay Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA. Tina_dyches@byu.edu.
Tina Taylor
TT
Dyches
Department of Counseling Psychology and Special Education, 340 McKay Building, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
Ruthann
R
Christensen
Couple and Family Therapy, 273 Comprehensive Clinic, School of Family Life, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
James M
JM
Harper
College of Nursing, 500 SWKT, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
Barbara
B
Mandleco
School of Family Life, 2089 JFSB, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, 84602, USA.
Susanne Olsen
SO
Roper
D000328:Adult; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000451:nursing*; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D012144:Respite Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
Autism; Caregiver burden; Depression; Respite care; Single mothers; Stress; Uplifts