The effects of autism and Asperger's syndrome: Linking specific behaviors to parental stress

Parents of children with developmental disabilities often experience elevated stress levels however little research has been done to identify the unique stressors of raising a child with autism or Asperger's Syndrome or the unique needs of these families. As a result, the goal of this dissertation was to identify correctly and accurately the needs of parents of children with autism or Asperger's Syndrome and subsequently, design an intervention appropriate for this population. For the purposes of this study, a survey was created based on a review of the current literature. This survey, the Parental Stress Survey, examined eight areas of stress that parents of children with developmental disabilities typically experience. The surveys were administered to thirty parents of children with either autism or Asperger's Syndrome. The results from the surveys were computed and a four-week long Parent Education and Support Group was created. The topics chosen for each week reflected the information gathered from the surveys collected.