Effective Parental Coping Strategies in Families of Children with Autism

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5377/ul.v16i2.20472

Keywords:

autism, stress, coping strategies

Abstract

stress in parents of children with autism represents a complex and difficult adaptation process; a situation that leads to feeling overwhelmed by the demands attributed to the care of the child, affecting all psychosocial dimensions. Objective: to analyze the relationship between the child's behavioral symptoms and stress coping strategies in parents of children with autism in an early stimulation center in Nicaragua. Material and methods: analytical study, nested case-control study, with a sample of 300 parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Contingency tables were used to compare the variables of interest with the statistical tests of chi-square, OR, with 95% confidence interval. Results: prevalence of stress (61%) was determined. According to the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale - Second Edition (GARS- 2), the symptom of avoiding eye contact was statistically significant (P: 0.000; OR: 3.01). The absence of humor was the coping strategy that duplicated the presence of stress (P: 0.016; OR: 2.243). Conclusions: the application of humor stands out as a relevant coping strategy among parents. Parents employ a variety of coping strategies such as planning, instrumental support, emotional support, self-distraction, behavioral disengagement, and positive reinterpretation to favor the preparedness of the nuclear family.

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Author Biographies

I. V. Pérez-Alarcón, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, León. Nicaragua

I participated in national and international scientific research conferences, presenting undergraduate research projects. I led scientific research efforts aligned with the National Plan for the Fight Against Poverty and Human Development. I contributed to improving continuing education processes and teaching practices in healthcare services at a national hospital. I successfully completed a Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in Teaching at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua–Managua. I also took part in national research competitions organized by the Nicaraguan Council of Science and Technology (CONICYT) in Nicaragua.

L. I Rodríguez-Monge, National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, León. Nicaragua

Researcher. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing with a specialization in Maternal and Child Health. Lecturer in the specific area of Nursing.

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Published

2025-08-07

How to Cite

Pérez Alarcón, I. V., & Rodríguez Monge, L. I. (2025). Effective Parental Coping Strategies in Families of Children with Autism. Universitas (León) , 16(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5377/ul.v16i2.20472

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2024)

Section

Original Scientific Papers

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