1. Kuhaneck HM, Burroughs T, Wright J, Lemanczyk T, Darragh AR. {{A Qualitative Study of Coping in Mothers of Children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder}}. {Phys Occup Ther Pediatr} (Aug 24)
ABSTRACT A significant body of research exists that explores the stressors of raising a child with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). There are fewer studies, however, that examine specific effective coping strategies of mothers of children with an ASD. This qualitative study explored mothers’ perceptions of effective coping strategies for their parenting stressors. In-depth interviews were conducted with 11 mothers to inquire about their personal coping methods. Interviews were coded and emergent themes identified that included coping strategies such as « me time, » planning, knowledge is power, sharing the load, lifting the restraints of labels, and recognizing the joys. The information from this study may benefit mothers of children with ASD and inform pediatric therapists providing services to children with ASD and their families.
2. Mukaddes NM, Herguner S, Tanidir C. {{Psychiatric disorders in individuals with high-functioning autism and Asperger’s disorder: Similarities and differences}}. {World J Biol Psychiatry} (Aug 24)
Abstract Objectives. To investigate and compare the rate and type of psychiatric co-morbidity in individuals with diagnosis of high functioning autism (HFA) and Asperger’s disorder (AS). Methods. This study includes 30 children and adolescents with diagnosis of HFA and 30 with diagnosis of AS. Diagnoses of HFA and AS were made using strict DSM-IV criteria. Psychiatric co-morbidity was assessed using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL-T). Results. The rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders was very high in both groups (93.3% in HFA and 100% in AS). The most common disorder in both groups was attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in the rate of associated psychiatric disorders, except for major depressive disorder (P = 0.029) and ADHD-combined type (P = 0.030). The AS group displayed greater comorbidity with depressive disorders and ADHD-CT. Conclusion. From a clinical perspective, it could be concluded that both disorders involve a high risk for developing psychiatric disorders, with AS patients at greater risk for depression. From a nosological perspective, the substantial similarities in terms of psychiatric comorbidity may support the idea that both disorders are on the same spectrum and differs in some aspects.
