Short therapy sessions help moms deal with stress after children diagnosed with autism

Microsoft

Many parents suffer from stress, anxiety and/or depression after their child is diagnosed with autism.  In addition, many mothers also experience social isolation.  Now researchers think providing these mothers with short therapy sessions helps their emotional well-being.

In this research study, mothers received six therapy sessions following their children's autism diagnoses.  The therapy called problem-solving education (PSE) is a cognitive behavioral intervention.

Fifty-nine mothers participating in the study had PSE.  The other 63 mothers received the "usual care."   After three months, researchers assessed the stress levels and depression of all the mothers.  They found less stress and depressive symptoms in the mothers who received PSE.  Researchers continue to follow the mothers and will assess any continued effects from the PSE.

The study Maternal Mental Health After a Child’s Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder is published in the Journal of the American Medical Association .

©Mary M Conneely T/A Advocacy in Action