Marital Status: Parents of Autistic Individuals Studied
autside.substack.com
A recent study looked at divorce rates over time among parents of autistic children. The researchers wanted to understand the challenges these families face. Caring for an autistic child can put stress on parents and marriages.
The study followed 108 families with autistic children for over 30 years. The researchers gathered data on when the parents divorced and factors involved.
About 36% of parents divorced by the time their autistic child turned 30. Around 40% of divorces happened in the first 5 years after the child's birth. Another 25% happened when the child was 10-15 years old.
Divorce rates went up during the teen years for parents of highly verbal autistic teens. This was different than for parents of teens with more severe disabilities. As the study author Dr. Catherine Lord explained, "Divorce rates rose for families with bright, verbal autistic teens likely due to more tension and uncertainty."
Factors like less education and income were associated with higher divorce risks too. But most divorces occurred when kids were under 5, similar to the general population.
The study had some limits. But it shows the importance of understanding families with autistic members. Autism uniquely shapes family life. With support and resources tailored to their needs, these families can thrive.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Marital Status: Parents of Autistic Individuals Studied
Marital Status: Parents of Autistic Individuals Studied
Marital Status: Parents of Autistic Individuals Studied
A recent study looked at divorce rates over time among parents of autistic children. The researchers wanted to understand the challenges these families face. Caring for an autistic child can put stress on parents and marriages.
The study followed 108 families with autistic children for over 30 years. The researchers gathered data on when the parents divorced and factors involved.
About 36% of parents divorced by the time their autistic child turned 30. Around 40% of divorces happened in the first 5 years after the child's birth. Another 25% happened when the child was 10-15 years old.
Divorce rates went up during the teen years for parents of highly verbal autistic teens. This was different than for parents of teens with more severe disabilities. As the study author Dr. Catherine Lord explained, "Divorce rates rose for families with bright, verbal autistic teens likely due to more tension and uncertainty."
Factors like less education and income were associated with higher divorce risks too. But most divorces occurred when kids were under 5, similar to the general population.
The study had some limits. But it shows the importance of understanding families with autistic members. Autism uniquely shapes family life. With support and resources tailored to their needs, these families can thrive.
The AutSide is a reader-supported publication. To support my work, consider becoming a paid subscriber.