For the parents of children with autism, the typical stresses of raising kids come with additional challenges.
A Florida State University research team has received a new grant to investigate how the coordination of care for a child with autism spectrum disorder affects parents’ health and overall stress levels.
“We know that accessing the recommended treatments for children with autism leads to additional stressors that can negatively affect the health of parents. However, these stressors do not impact all families in the same way,” explains Michele Parker, an assistant professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences. “Our research will identify the role of autism care coordination in parent health to inform health care policies that support greater health equity.”
WHY IT MATTERS: About 1 in 36 children have been identified as having autism spectrum disorder, meaning a high percentage of parents nationwide are working on finding services for their children. Additionally, there is an overall lack of autism services throughout the country, from diagnosis to various forms of therapy.
WHO’S INVOLVED: The work will be led by Parker and Associate Professor of Social Work Michael Killian.
WHERE’S THE MONEY COMING FROM: The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, part of the National Institutes of Health, has awarded the $153,570 grant.