Exploring correlates among Latino/a parents of young children with intellectual and developmental disabilities

Abstract

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), including autism, experience stress in part due to child and parent characteristics. Although there is significant research about the correlates of parent stress, less is known about stress among Latino/a parents of children with IDD. The purpose of this study was to explore the correlates of empowerment, type of disability, stress, and special education knowledge among 61 Latino/a parents of children with IDD. Findings revealed a positive, significant correlation between empowerment and special education knowledge. Parents of children with autism reported significantly greater special education knowledge and stress. Implications for the future research including the need for longitudinal research are discussed.