Health of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disability: A Case-Control Study

Background: The impact of caring for a child with a disability has been observed among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) or Intellectual Disability (ID) in Western countries, but little is known about these challenges in the Arab region.

Objectives: The aim of the current study is to gather knowledge about physical health, mental health and Quality of Life (QOL) experienced by Bahraini mothers of children with ASD or ID in comparison to the mothers of healthy controls (HC).

Methods: Using a cross-sectional study design, data about mothers’ demographic characteristics, general health, QOL and functioning were collected through direct interviews. The participants included 90 mothers with 30 mothers from each group (ASD, ID, HC).

Results: Mothers of children with ASD reported more psychological, and environmental problems and received more help from family members when compared to parents of ID and HC children. All groups obtained a similar score on QOL total score and physical health score. Parents of ASD and ID children scored lower than the parents of HC children on GAF measurement.

Conclusions: Mothers of children with ASD and, to a lesser extent, mothers of children with ID needed more social support and counseling regarding their own mental health after their children received a diagnosis.