Objective
Parenting an autistic child can affect a family’s well-being. Finding resources is critical. This pilot study looked at respite’s impact on parental stress, anxiety, and depression in military families and demographic factors associated with presence of respite care.
Method
Participants completed three surveys on anonymous basis, including two standardized surveys measuring parental stress and anxiety/depression. Data analysis used Chi-square test and regression analysis.
Results
Parents receiving respite reported less stress and anxiety/depression. Respite utilization was associated with absence of comorbid conditions in child and other variables. Predictor variables for parental stress and anxiety/depression included presence of comorbid conditions in child.
Conclusion
Respite care may be linked to lower parental stress, anxiety, and depression, but more study is needed.
