AUTISM MOMS AND DEPRESSION
Nichole Wilson Autism spectrum disorder/ASD is a condition related to brain development that affects how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interactions and communication. ASD also includes limited and repetitive patterns of behavior. The term “spectrum� in ASD refers to the wide range of symptoms and severity. A study conducted at the University of North Carolina found that fifty percent of mothers with children living with autism had elevated depression scores, compared to 15 percent to 21 percent in the other groups. Single mothers of children with disabilities were found to be more vulnerable to severe depression than mothers living with a partner. Many contributing factors can lead to feelings of depression after you receive a diagnosis of ASD for your child.
Parents often experience a sense of grief and have a hard time accepting the diagnosis while trying to cope with the different dynamics that come along with raising a child or multiple children living with ASD. Daily occurrences such as putting them down for bed, going to school, dressing, bathing, and mealtime can be a challenge and can cause stress and anxiety, which may contribute to feelings of depression in a parent of a child on the autism spectrum. If experiencing feelings of depression do not be afraid to seek support from a professional, support groups, and family and friends. I had the opportunity to sit down with Nichole Wilson, Autism mom, founder of Autism Moms Are Beautiful, and founder and Editor-in Chief of AMAB magazine.
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