Relationship between parental depression and perceived negative impact of raising a child with ASD

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) manifests in deficits in social and communication modalities among children (APA, 2013). Studies have found associations between the demands of caring for a child with ASD and depression (Croen et al, 2011; Davis and Cater, 2008). The current study examines parents' perceived negative impact (PNI) of aspects of caregiving for a child with ASD in relation to depression history, seeking help for depression, and barriers to do so. Participants were parents of children with ASD who responded to an online depression history questionnaire from the Interactive Autism Network's (IAN). Results showed that the perception of the impact of ASD was more negative among parents who had experienced depression, especially those whose depression timeline included depression within 12 months after their child's ASD diagnosis. More help seeking and barriers to do so were also associated with greater levels of PNI. Findings contribute to knowledge of well-being of caregivers of children with ASD and suggest directions for further investigation.