Prevalence, severity, and associated factors of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among parents of children diagnosed with autism: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Parents of children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant challenges, often resulting in heightened stress levels. Emerging evidence suggests that these parents may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms due to their child’s diagnosis. However, the role of perceived social support in mitigating these symptoms remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the determinants of PTSD among parents of children with ASD and to explore the moderating effect of perceived social support on PTSD severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional correlational design was employed. A convenience sample of 142 parents of children diagnosed with ASD was recruited from specialized centers in Amman, Jordan between August 2023 and March 2024. Parents undergoing treatment for mental health conditions were excluded. Data were collected through structured self-reported questionnaires, including the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, and ANOVA were used for analysis. RESULTS: The study found that parents of children with ASD exhibited significant PTSD symptoms, with an average PCL-5 score of 42.08 (±15.61 out of 80). Key sociodemographic factors, such as marital status, education level, and employment, were significantly associated with PTSD scores (P < 0.05). The study also revealed that perceived social support, as measured by the MSPSS, had a moderating effect on PTSD symptoms, with parents reporting higher social support experiencing lower PTSD severity. CONCLUSION: Parents of children with ASD are at increased risk for PTSD, but perceived social support plays a critical role in reducing symptom severity. These findings underscore the importance of social support interventions for this population.