Hannah Grow, Jamie Easler, Nora Evans, Brigham Young University
Background: Numerous stressors are associated with parenting, and many of these stressors are intensified when the mother is the sole caregiver and provider of her family. Further stressors are experienced when children have disabilities. Single mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and single mothers of children with Down Syndrome (DS) may experience parenting differently than couples of children with ASD or DS. Aims: The present study examined differences between single mothers of children with ASD and single mothers of children with DS in the following areas: (a) socio-economic status, (b) maternal adaptation as measured by hassles, uplifts, caregiver burden, and depression, and (c) respite care. Methods: Participants were 330 non-cohabitating mothers with at least one child with ASD or DS (ASD n = 201; DS n = 129). The mothers completed a survey that asked questions pertaining to their daily lives. Results: More families with children with ASD qualified for free/reduced lunch than families with children with DS. In the areas of hassles, caregiver burden, and depression, single mothers of children with DS had lower scores, suggesting that they have an easier time caring for their children than mothers of children with ASD. In the category of uplifts, there were no significant differences between mothers of children of ASD and mothers of children with DS. Also, no significant differences existed between mothers in the survey who received respite care and mothers who did not. Conclusions: These findings suggest that although both mothers of children with DS or ASD need additional emotional support, even more support is needed for mothers of children with ASD.