TITLE

“Coping Skills And

Quality Of Life In Parents Of

Children With Autism

Spectrum Disorder”.
Name of the Learner Rupal Tiwari

Enrol No 2105141420

Study Centre 1607

Regional Centre GyanVatika Nagpur

Year Dec 2024

Name of the Guide Dr. Ravi Aloni

CERTIFICATES

AND

APPENDICES
APPENDIX-I

PROFORMA FOR PROPOSAL OF SYNOPSIS FOR THE DISSERTATION

Enrolment Number: Course Code:

Name and Address of the Learner:

Phone No. Email:

Regional Centre Study Centre

Title of Dissertation:

Signature of
Student:
Date:

Synopsis (put a tick mark as

appropriate):
a) Approved (Synopsis is as per the guidelines)

Signature of Academic Counsellor

Name:
Designation:
Address:
Date:
APPENDIX-II

CONSENT LETTER OF THE ACADEMIC COUNSELLOR

This is to certify that the Dissertation titled _ _ _

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

For the partial fulfillment of BAPCH Programme of IGNOU has been carried out by
Mr./Ms _____________ Enrollment No. , under my guidance.

(Signature)

Name of the Guide:

Designation:

Address:

Date :
APPENDIX-III

FORMAT FOR REFERENCE LETTER (for data collection as well as literature review from
libraries/institutes/ organisations)

Date:

To,

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is to certify that Mr./Ms.

Enrollment No. is a learner of IGNOU and is presently pursuing BA
(Honours) in Psychology from Regional Centre
.As a part of the BAPCH programme the learner
carrying out Dissertation on the topic

_
You are requested to kindly provide the learner with
permission to carry out reference work/data collection in your esteemed organisation.

Yours faithfully,

Study Centre/Regional
Centre/ Faculty, Discipline
Psychology
APPENDIX-IV CERTIFICATE OF

ORIGINALITY

(For submission of Dissertation)

This is to certify that the Dissertation Report titled “

”
submitted to Indira Gandhi National Open University in partial fulfillment of the requirement for
the award of BA Psychology Honours (BAPCH) is an original work carried out by Mr./Ms.

(Enrollment Number: _ ).

The matter included in the Dissertation report is a genuine work done by the student and has not been submitt
plagiarism.

Signature of the Learner Signature of the Academic Counsellor

Name: Name:

Enrollment Number: Designation:

Place: Name of Institution/Organisation:

Date: Date:
APPENDIX-VI

EVALUATION SCHEME FOR DISSERTATION

(To be filled by the External Examiner)

Name of the Programme: BAPCH Course Code:

Study Centre: Regional Centre:

Name of the Learner:

Enrollment No.:
Sl.No. Components Maximum Marks
Marks Obtained
1. Introduction and Review of Literature 15
2. Rationale of the Study 5
3. Methodology 20
4. Results, Discussion and Conclusion 20
5. Implications, Future suggestions & 5
Limitations
6. References 5
TOTAL (DISSERTATION REPORT)
7. Viva-voce 30
GRAND TOTAL MARKS (Report 100
+Viva)
Observation and Comments:

Signature

Name & Address of External Examiner

Note:
Date:
1) Minimum pass marks are 24.5 out of 70 (dissertation report) and 10.5 out of 30 (viva voce).
2) Marks are to be given for each of the components.
3) The external examiner is required to write observation and comments regarding the dissertation report and
viva voc
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I express my gratitude with unflinching sense of sincerity and loyalty to my Supervisor Dr.

Ravi Aloni Sir, Psychology Dept. IGNOU, Nagpur. His versatile knowledge in general and in the

specify field of psychology has been a great source of inspiration to me. His exemplary manner,

cool temperament and a rare quality of valuing others views has instilled a great deal of

confidence in me. I deem it my privilege to have worked under such a personage who shall be a

beacon light and a motivating force throughout my life and whose name I shall quote with pride

wherever need be.

I gratefully acknowledgement SLARC and their staff for their untiring Zeal, easy approach,

scientific freedom, unfailing guidance, magnanimous support, scholarly advice and valuable

comments. I am indeed highly indebted to them for their congenial and thought provoking outlook

which inspired me and made me more knowledgeable. I also thank them for providing all the

necessary facilities.

I shall ever remain grateful to my family and parents for their invaluable encouragement and

moral support rendered to me in all my endeavours.

Rupal R. Tiwari
APPENDIX-V
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(For submission of Dissertation)

This is to acknowledge that Ms./Mr..............................................................................................

Enrollment No.................................................................of BAPCH programme has submitted the

Dissertation at the Regional Centre .......................................

Date: Signature (with Seal) Receiv

SYNOPSIS
CONTENTS
CONTENTS

1. Title Page

2. Certificates and appendices

3. Acknowledgment

4. Synopsis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

 Chapter 1 : Introduction

 Chapter 2 : Review of the literature

 Chapter 3 : Rational of the study

 Chapter 4 Methodology

 Chapter 5 : Results and discussion

 Chapter 6 : Conclusion and Implications

 Chapter 7 : Delimitations and Limitations

 Chapter 8 : References and Appendices

LIST OF TABLES

 Table No 1 : Educational level of mother with ASD

 Table No 2 : Employment status of Mother’s of Children of ASD

 Table No 3 : Family income per Annum

 Table No 4 : Family structure of mothers of children with ASD

 Table No 5 : Family support of Mothers of Children with ASD

 Table No 6 : Age of children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

(ASD)

 Table No 7: Number of Children in the families of Children with ASD

 Table No 8 : Severity of Autism (Using ISSA Scale)

 Table No 9 : General Health conditions of Mothers

 Table No 10 A : Distribution of coping styles among mothers of children with

ASD

 Table No 10 B: Coping style score among 30 mothers showed mean score

 Table No 11 A: Domain wise summary of WHOQOL Scores

LIST OF FIGURES :

 Figure No 1 : Family Structure of mothers of children with ASD

 Figure No 2 : Family Support of mothers of children with ASD

 Figure No 3 : Age of children with ASD

 Figure No 4 : Number of children in the families of children with ASD

 Figure No 5 : Severity of Autism (Using ISSA Scale)

 Figure No 6 : General Health Conditions of Mothers

 Figure No 7 : Distribution of coping styles among mothers of children (ASD)

 Figure No 8 : Brief coping style and Range

 Figure No 9: Domain – wise Summary of WHOQOL Scores

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1
Introduction

The study focuses on the coping strategies and quality of life of parents of children

with ASD. Parenting a child with special needs can present unique challenges that require

effective coping strategies.

Parents with ASD have a difficult time in coping with the day to day life stresses,

environmental stresses, familial stress, societal stresses, and routine less stress for them to

cope up with the educational requirements of their child. Social and familial acceptability,

municipal and environmental obligation is an on going battle in their day to day life. Life is a

struggle which they lose each day with little support from the family, society or environment.

Parenting a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder ASD presents unique challenges

due to the lifelong nature of the condition which involve social communicative and

behavioural difficulties. These challenges can affect the emotional, mental and physical well

being of parents, unlimited influencing their quality of life. The ability of parents to cope

with the demand of caring of a child with ASD plays a crucial role in how they perceive and

manage these challenges. Effective coping strategies can mitigate stress, improve mental

health and lead to a better overall quality of life.

Coping Skills and Quality of life

Coping skills refer to the cognitive and behaviour efforts that individual use to

manage stressors. In the context of parents of children with ASD coping skills are essential

for navigating the stress association with caregivers. The quality of life for these parents is

determined by various factors including psychological well-being, social interaction, physical

health and emotional stress and behaviour difficulties associated with the condition. These

purpose of the primary objective of this study is to explore how coping skills influence the

2
quality of life in parents of children diagnosed with ASD. It seeks to understand the

relationship between the different coping mechanism employed by parents and how these

affect their mental health social support and stress level. The study aims to provide valueable

insight into effective coping intervention that could enhance the well-being of these parents.

3
CHAPTER 2

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

4
REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

1. A review of the literature (Sivberg , 2002) has shown that the parents with

Autistic children are exposed to stress in the areas of obtaining a diagnosis for the

child’s condition, of family support, of information, of appropriate short-term

services. Of remedial measures and centers existing in the society and of finding

group homes for their young adults (Smith, 1994) . The chronic nature of Autism

Spectrum Disorder can affect parent negatively and there is a danger of becoming

exhausted and pessimistic with a risk for burn out (Bristol, DeMeyer , 1984) .

There are factors in Autism that facilitate life stress of such magnitude, intensity,

duration, and unpredictability that these tend to constitute the most stressful

situations (Wolf, 1989).

2. Parental disappointments and worries regarding the future cause stressful

experiences (Wing 1988). Morgan, 1988 has called attention to the necessity of

approaching the family with an Autistic child as a whole. Harris , 1982 has

described how different subsystems in the family easily are established involving

the parents , the siblings, and the Autistic child.

3. Mothers of Autistic children report significantly greater stress (Breen, 1988),

greater depression (Breen, Forehand, 1988), greater social isolation (Whaler,

1980), and a lower level of marital intimacy when compared to mothers of Normal

children and mothers of Down’s Syndrome children (Fisman, Befera, 1989) .

Mothers who typically do far more parenting work (Cantwell, Mash, 1984) than

fathers report that the more they share the overall burden with fathers, the more

satisfied they become. For fathers, the best predictor of satisfaction in the

parenting role was the level of total parenting burden, not the balance with their

wives (Holmes, 1991). Smithetal [2018] explored the psychological stress and

5
coping mechanism among parents of children with autism found that parents often

experience high levels of stress and use both problem focused and emotional

focused coping strategies.

4. Johnson and Mcmohan (2016) examined the difference that is, coping strategies

between parents of children with Down syndrome and those with cerebral palsy.

The study highlighted the role of social support in effective coping.

5. Smith etal ( 2024) Their study explored how mindfulness –based intervention

improved the psychological well-being of parents caring for children with ASD.

The finding revealed that problem solving coping strategies and relaxation

techniques led to significantly improvements in quality of life.

6. Jonson Green 2023 investigated how coping mechanism such as social support

networks and positive reframing enhanced parental mental health. The study

highlighted that parents who practiced adaptive coping had lower levels of

depression and anxiety.

7. Leeetal 2022 in their research examined cultural influence on coping strategies in

parents of children with ASD it found that emotion focused was more prevalent in

eastern cultural while western parents tended to rely on problem focused

strategies.

8. Marting Alvarez 2022 evaluated the relationship between stress management

intervention and quality of life in mothers of children with ASD .Mothers who

engaged in peer support groups and cognitive behavioural therapy CBT reported

enhanced coping skills and a better quality of life.

9. Kaur Singh 2021 focused on the impact of spirituality and religious coping in

Indian families with children diagnosed with ASD .The research concluded that

6
spiritual practices significant reduced parental stress and improved emotion well-

being.

10. Brown carter 2020 explored the effectiveness of self care routines such as exercise

and personal hobbies in reducing burnout and stress among caregivers of children

with ASD. The result indicated that physical activities greatly contributed to

parents mental health.

11. Wangetal 2020 investigated how coping strategies like acceptance and problem

solving affected parents emotional stability. The study concluded that acceptance

based coping led to improved resilience and life satisfaction.

12. Jonslee 2019 studied the role of marital support in buffering the stress experienced

by parents of children with ASD .It found that collaborative problem solving

between parents significantly improved their quality of life.

13. Thompson etal 2019 analysed the impact of government and non- governmental

support program on parental coping. Parents involved in support groups and

community outreach program demonstrated better psychological health and

coping skills.

14. Garchia Martinez 2018, highlighted the importance of early intervention program

that not only focus on children with ASD but also provide parental support.

Parents who received counselling and stress management training reported

enhanced coping abilities and improved life quality .

15. Fernandez Roger 2023 researched the role of adaptive vs maladaptive coping

mechanism .It found that parents relying techniques faced higher stress levels

while those utilizing adaptive strategies had a better quality of life.

7
16. Nguyen etal 2021, in their longitudinal study tracked coping skill development

over five years concluding that problem solving coping particularly with

professional psychological support led to sustained improvements in life quality.

17. Choikim 2021 found the effectiveness of family based intervention emphasizing

joint family coping strategies in managing parental stress. Families who

participated in group therapy session showed better coping outcomes.

18. Ahmed Ali 2020 examined the role of economic stress in parents coping

strategies. The study suggested that financial strain investigately impacted coping

abilities leading to lower quality of life but financing counselling helped alleviate

stress.

19. Kumar Patel 2019, investigated how the involvement of extended family members

influenced parental coping strategies. Parents with strong extended family support

demonstrated better emotional stability and stress management.

8
CHAPTER 3

RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

9
RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

The growing prevalence of children with special needs including those with

conditions such as down syndrome, autism underscores the urgent need to understand and

support the coping mechanisms employed by their parents. Parents of children with special

needs face unique and significant stressors including emotional financial and social

challenges which can impact their overall well- being and the effectiveness of their care

giving. Investigating the coping strategies these parents use is essential for developing

targeted interventions and support programs that can enhance their resilience, reduce stress

and improve both their quality of life and the development outcomes of their children. By

indentifying successful coping mechanisms this study aims to contribute to the existing body

of knowledge and provide practical insight, for health care professionals educators and policy

makers to better support these families.

This study is crucial because parents of children with Autism spectrum Disorder ASD

face significant mental emotional and physical challenges due to the lifelong nature of

caregivers these parents experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, depression and burnout

compared to parents of neurotypical children. By exploring how coping skills impact the

quality of life for these parents this study seeks to identify which coping mechanism are most

effective in reducing stress and improving well-being.

Coping skills refer to the specific strategies and techniques that individuals use to

manage stress, adversity, or challenging situations in their lives. These skills can be adaptive

or maladaptive, depending on how effectively they help individuals handle stress and

maintain psychological context, coping skills might include problem-solving, seeking social

support, positive reframing, or engaging in relaxation techniques. Importance of

understanding Coping Skills are essential tools for managing stress and promoting resilience

10
in parents. Effective coping skills mechanism can significant by reduce the emotional burden

of caring for a child with ASD. This study finding will help professionals and caregivers

identify the most beneficial strategies whether problem focused, emotion focused or through

external support to improve parents quality of life. Additionally it will provide insight into

designing intervention that can strengthen coping skills in parents.

The outcome of this research will have practical implications for mental health

professionals, educators and policy makers. By understanding the coping strategies that best

support parents, professional can design more tailored program to assist them. Additionally

the study will inform policies on providing adequate resources and support system for

families with children diagnosed with ASD. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of life

for both the parents and the children they care for.

Although there is existing research on the stress experience by parents of children

with ASD, there is still a gap in understanding the specific coping mechanism that contribute

to improving their quality of life. This study aims to fill that gap by focusing on the direct

impact of coping skills. By adding to the current body of literature the research will offer new

insight and contribute to the development of intervention and support program for parents of

children with ASD.

This study is timely and relevant as the population of children diagnosed with ASD

continues to grow, understanding how coping skills can improve the quality of life.

Enhancing parental well-being through effective coping strategies will ultimately lead to

better care and support for children with ASD.

The increasing prevalence of Autism spectrum Disorder ASD has brought to light the

immense challenges faced by parents raising a neuro developmental disorder that

significantly affects communication, social interaction and behaviour. Parents of children

11
with ASD often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression which in turn can

affect their overall quality of life (QOL). Coping skills play a vital role in how parents

manage the unique stressors associated with ASD and therefore understanding the

relationship between coping strategies and QOL becomes crucial for developing effective

support mechanism.

Research has shown that the psychological well-being of parents directly impacts

their ability to care for children with ASD. Parents who lack effective coping strategies may

experience burnout, frustration and emotional exhaustion. This not only hinders their well-

being but can also adversely affect the child developing conversely parents who adopt

adaptive coping strategies such as seeking social support, employing problem solving

techniques and practicing self care are often better equipped to handle the demands of

parenting a child with ASD, leading to improved outcome for both the parent and child.

Given the life long nature of ASD and the assoiated care giving responsibilities, it is

essential to explore how coping skills influence parential QOL, current research in this area is

limited particularly in understanding which coping strategies are most beneficial for parents

of children with different severities of ASD . The absence of this knowledge creates a gap in

providing targeted intervention aimed at enhancing parental resilience and improving their

overall quality of life.

Additionally the study will contribute to a deeper understanding of how tailored

coping strategies can be developed to support parents at various stages of their child

development. Identifying effective coping skills could lead to better designed intervention

programs that only focus on the child need but also prioritize parental well-being is

particularly important in culture where mental health support is stigmatized and parents may

struggle to seek help. The findings from this study could influence policy recommendation

12
for creating more robust family support system ultimately enhancing both child and parents

well-being.

13
CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY

14
METHODOLOGY

Research Problem

 To study the Coping Skills and Quality of life in parents of children with ASD.

Objectives

 To Access the type of Coping Skills used by parents of children ASD.

 To access the impact of Coping Skills on their Quality Of Life.

Hypothesis

 There is positive co-relation between Coping Strategies and Quality of Life in

parents of children with ASD.

Variables

 Independent variable (IV) Coping Skills.

 Dependent variable ( DV) Quality of Life of parents of children with special

needs.

Research Design

 Single Factor Design was used. Product moment correlation coefficient was used

for assessing correlation.

Operational Definition

Coping skills refer to the specific strategies and techniques that individuals use to

manage stress, adversity, or challenging situations in their lives. These skills can be adaptive

or maladaptive, depending on how effectively they help individuals handle stress and

15
maintain psychological context, coping skills might include problem-solving, seeking social

support, positive reframing, or engaging in relaxation techniques.

Qualitity of life

Quality of Life (QOL) refers to an indicidual’s overall well being encompassing

physical, mental, emotional, and social dimensions. It is often measured through self-reports

or standardized questionnaires that access various aspects such as health status, emotional

well - being social relationships, environmental factors, and personal satisfaction with life

circumstances.

TOOLS

 The Brief COPE Scale is a widely used tool designed to assess various coping

strategies that individuals use in response to stress. It comprises 28 items that

measure 14 different coping strategies, such as active coping, denial, emotional

support, and problem-solving. Each strategy is rated on a scale, allowing

researchers to understand the extent and type of coping mechanisms utilized by

individuals.

 The WHO Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) is an abbreviated version of

the WHOQOL-100 and is used to evaluate the quality of life across four key

domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and

environment. It includes 26 items that provide a comprehensive assessment of an

individual's overall well-being and perceived quality of life, making it a valuable

tool for measuring the impact of health conditions and interventions.

16
Sample

30 parents of ASD children

Inclusion criteria

* Childs Diagnosis :- Parents of children whose child have been formally diagnosed with

ASD.

* Parental role :- The participant must be a primary care giver for the child.

*Age Range :- Mothers aged 25 to 45 years.

*Willingness to participate:- Participants must provide informed consent and be willing to

participate in all parts of study. Their selection will be purposive.

Exclusion criteria

1 Lack of formal Diagnosis

2 Non-primary care givers

3 Refusal to consent

Data collections Tools

1 Semi –Structured preformed was used to obtain the socio –demographic data

2 Brief Cope Scale to access coping skills.

3 WHOOL- BREF Scale to access Quality of life.

Procedure of data collection:

1 Participants was examined for the nature of the study .They were included in the study

only after due informed consent and ensuring confidentiality.

17
2 A semi-structured preformed was used to obtain socio –demographic data .

3 Coping skills used was assessed by Brief Cope Scale .

4 Quality of Life was assessed on WHOQOL- BREF Scale.

Data Analysis Techniques

Descriptive and inferential statistics was used. Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was

used for assessing correlation .

18
CHAPTER 5

RESULTS

&

DISCUSSION

19
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table No 1. Educational level of mother of children with ASD

Educational level No. of family

Professional Degree 3

Graduate 17

Intermediate /Diploma 10

Interpretation of Table No 1

3 mothers (10%) had professional degree, 17 mothers (51.75%) were graduate which

forms the majority. 10 mothers ( 33.3%) fall under intermediate or diploma category

indicating higher level education, possibly related to careers that require

specialization. This group may have access to more resources and information

regarding their child’s condition, potentially enabling them to navigate care systems

more effectively. 17 mothers (51.75%) were graduate, which forms the majority. This

suggest that a significant number of mothers have received formal higher education

which may provides them with necessary knowledge and resources to manage

challenges effectively. 10 mothers ( 33.3%) fall under intermediate or diploma

category implying a focus on vocational training or skill based education.

20
Table No 2. Employment Status of Mother’s of children with ASD

Employment Status Number of Mothers

Fill-Time employed 3

Part-Time employed 6

Homemaker 21

Interpretation of Table No 2

3 mothers (10 %) were full time employed, indicating that a small fraction of mothers

are balancing their careers while caring child with ASD. Full time employment may provides

them with financing independent social interaction but could also increase stress due to dual

demand of work and care giving . 6 mothers (20 %) were employed part time, suggest that

these mothers may have chosen or needed to reduce their work hours to manage the needs of

their child. Part time, work provides a balance between maintaining career and fulfilling care

giving potentially offering more flexibility time to focus on their child needs. 21 mothers

(70%) were homemakers, which shows that the majority of mothers had either chosen of

needed to dedicate themselves fully to caregiving . This high percentage highlights the

demanding nature of raising a child with ASD, which may lead mothers to prioritize care

giving over pursuing career. Being a home maker can offer more control over time and

involvement in the child life but may also come with challenges related to reduced financial

independence or social isolation.

21
Table No 3. Family Income per Annum

Family income Higher income group Middle income group

No. of mother 17 13

Total 56.67 43.33

Interpretation of Table No 3

Out of the 30 mothers of children diagnosed with Autism spectrum Disorder ( ASD)

who participated in the study, 17 mothers (56.67%) belong to the high income group. While

13 mothers, (43 33%) are part of the middle income group.

Table No 4: Family Structure of Mothers of Children with ASD

Family Structure Numbers

Nuclear Family 19

Joint Family 11

Interpretation of Table No 4

 Family Structure of mothers of children with ASD- revealed that 19 mothers

63.3% belong to nuclear families. This structure typically includes parents and

their children which may lead to a more focused intimate environment for raising

a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the lack of extended

family may limit additional support, putting more pressure on the immediate

family to cope with challenges.

22
 11 mothers (36.74) are part of joint families which include extended family

members like grandmothers, aunts, uncles etc. This structure often provides a

order support network which can be advantageous in managing the complexities

of caring for a child with ASD. The presence of additional care givers may help

share the responsibilities associated with caregiving.

Figure No 1 Family Structure of Mothers of Children with ASD

Family Structure

Numbers

Nuclear Family Joint Family

23
Table No 5: Family Support of Mothers of Children with ASD

Number of Family Support Level

Mothers Strong Moderate Weak

2 13 15

Interpretation of Table No 5

 Level of family support varied among the mother’s of children diagnosed with ASD.

 Strong Support: Only 2 Mothers (6.7%) reported having strong family support where family

members are always available and helpful. This limited number suggested that even with

Joint Families consistent availability and help may not be guaranteed. Strong support can be

crucial for mental and emotional well-being, helping mothers navigate the challenges of

parenting a child with ASD.

 Moderate Support: 13 mothers (43.3%) indicated moderate family support, meaning family

members were sometimes available. This level of support can be beneficial but may not be

sufficient for all the challenges faced by these mothers. Inconsistent support may create

feelings of uncertainty or stress, impacting their quality of life.

 Weak Support: A significant number, 15 mothers (50%) reported weak family support,

characterized by rare availability of family members. This lack of support can lead to

increased feelings of isolation, stress and overwhelming responsibilities.

It highlights a critical area where intervention could be needed as strong family support is

often essential for coping with the demands of raising a child with ASD.

24
Figure No 2 Family Support of Mothers of Children with ASD

Family Support of mothers of Children withASD

16

14

12

10

Strong Moderate Weak

Table No 6: Age of Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

Age range in Years Number of Children

2.5 to 3 16

3.5 to 4 10

4.5 to 5 4

Total 30

Interpretation of Table No 6

 The majority of the children diagnosed with ASD in the study (16 children) fall into the 2.5 to

3 years range. This suggests that early diagnosis, which is significant for timely intervention.

Early diagnosis can have a considerable impact on the effectiveness of interventions and

coping mechanism adopted by parents.

25
 The next group consists of 10 children, fall in the 3.5 to 4 years age range and the smallest

group (4 children) was aged 4.5 to 5 years.

 The distribution indicates that the majority of children are diagnosed before the age of 4,

which is consistent with current research suggesting that early childhood is a critical period

for identifying autism.

Figure No 3 : Age of Children with ASD

35
Age of Children Diagnosed with ASD
30

25

20

15

10

0
2.5 to 3 3.5 to 4 4.5 to 5 Total

Number of Children

Table No 7: Number of Siblings in the Families of Children with ASD

Number of children Number of Families

One Child 13

Two Children 17

Total 30

26
Interpretation Of Table No 7

 Out of the 30 families surveyed, 13 families had only one child, while 17 families

had 2 children with one diagnosed with ASD. The presence of an additional child

in the family may influence the coping strategies and the quality of life of parents,

as managing both a neurotypical child and a child with ASD could create

additional challenges.

Figure No 4 : Number of Siblings in the Families of Children with ASD

Number of Children in families

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
One Child Two Children Total

Number of Families

Table No 8: Severity of Autism (Using ISSA Scale)

Number of Children Severity

Severe Moderate Mild

7 18 15

Interpretation Of Table No 8 :

27
 According to ISSA (Indian standard Scale For Autism), the majority of children in

the study fall into moderate severity category 18 children, followed by 15 children

with mild ASD and 7 with severe ASD.The distribution of severity is crucial, as it

could directly impact the stress levels of parents and the coping mechanism they

adopt. Parents of children with more severe symptoms may experience more

significant challenges, affecting their quality of life.

Figure No 5 : Severity of Autism (Using ISSA Scale)

Severity of Autism
20

18

16

14

12

10

Severe Moderate Mild

Table No 9 : General Health Conditions of Mothers

Health Condition Number of Mothers

Diabetes 4

No Health Issues 26

Total 30

Interpretation of table No 9 :

28
 General Health Conditions of Mothers of children diagnosed with ASD. Out of

the 30 mothers in the study, 4 mothers reported having high blood sugar, that is

Diabetes, while the majority 26 mothers reported no chronic health conditions.

This indicates that most mothers (around 87%) were physically healthy, which

helps in focusing the study more on psychological and emotional aspect of coping

with parenting a child with ASD. The presence of a chronic condition like

diabetes in a small preposition of mothers (13%) might introduce additional

stressors that could impact their coping skills and overall quality of life. However,

the low percentage of mothers with health conditions allows study to

predominantly explore how the unique challenges of raising a child with ASD

influence coping mechanism and well-being without significant interference from

chronic physical health.

Figure No 6 : General Health Conditions of Mothers

General Health Condition of Mothers

35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Diabetes No Health Issues Total

Number of Mothers

Table No 10 A: Distribution of coping styles among mothers of children with ASD

Brief Coping Styles Percentage of Mothers

29
Adaptive Coping Style 45.72

Both Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Style 54.28

Maladaptive Coping Style Nil

Interpretation of Table No 10 A:

Distribution of coping styles among mothers of children with ASD revealed16

mothers, that is 54.28% used a combination of both adaptive and maladaptive coping styles,

14 mothers that is 45.72 mothers used only adaptive coping styles and none of the mothers

used only maladaptive coping style.

1. Coping Style Score among 30 mother’s showed Adaptive Coping: The mean score for

adaptive coping skills is the highest, indicating that mothers who primarily used adaptive

coping skills tended to have better outcomes. The SD is 5.2 showing relatively little

variability.

2. Both Coping Styles: Mothers who used a combination of adaptive and maladaptive strategies

had a mean score of 68. Their SD is larger (7.5), reflecting greater variability in outcomes.

3. Maladaptive Coping: Although no mothers exclusively used maladaptive coping styles. We

consider this for the sake of completeness. The mean score is lower (50) and the SD is 6.3.

30
Figure No 7 :- Distribution of coping styles among mothers of children with ASD

Distribution of Copying Styles Among Mothers of Children

with ASD
60

50

40

30

20

10

0
Adaptive Coping Style Both Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping Style
Maladaptive Copying
Style
Percentage of Mothers

Table No 10 B : Brief Coping Style And Range

Brief Coping Style and Range Mean Score Standard Deviation

Adaptive Coping (Range, 72-85) 78 5.2

Both Adaptive and Maladaptive (Range, 60-78) 68 7.5

Maladaptive Coping (Range, 44-58) 50 6.3

Interpretation of Table No 10B :

Coping Style Score among 30 mother’s showed mean score for adaptive coping skill

ranged before 72-.85 with SD of 5.2. Mean score for both adaptive and maladaptive coping

skill rang before 60-78 with SD of 7.5.Mean score for maladaptive coping skill range before

44-58 with SD of 6.3.

31
Figure No 8: Brief Coping Style And Range

Brief Coping Style and Range

90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Adaptive Coping(Range, Both Adaptive and Maladaptive
72-85) Maladaptive(Range, coping(Range, 44-58)
60-78)

Mean Score Standard Deviation

Table No 11: Domain -wise summary of WHOQOL Scores

WHOQOL Scores Minimum Score Maximum Score Mean Score SD

Domain 1 – Physical Health 31 88 67.54 9.57

(Range 0-100)

Domain 2 – Psychological 31 88 62.74 10.77

Health (Range 0-100)

Domain 3 – Social Personal 31 100 69.88 14.19

Relationship (Range 0-100)

Domain 4 – Environmental 56 94 74.75 10.06

and Financial Resources

(Range 0-100)

Interpretation of Table No 11

32
1. Domain 4 – Environmental and Financial Resources had the highest mean score (74.75)

indicating that mothers generally reported better quality of life in this domain. The relatively

small standard deviation (SD = 10.06) that most mothers had consistent experience in this

area.

2. Domain 2 – Psychological Health had the lowest mean score (62.74) indicating that this

domain represents the greatest challenge for these mothers. The standard deviation here (SD

= 10.77) suggests moderate variability meaning some mothers may struggle more than others

with their psychological health.

3. Domain 3 – Social Personal Relationship had the second highest mean score (69.88) but the

largest standard deviation (SD = 14.19), indicating that the mothers experience varied

significantly in this domain.

4. Domain 1 – Physical Health had a moderate mean score (67.54) with a relatively low

standard deviation (SD = 9.57), suggesting consistent result across participants.

Figure No 9 : Domain -wise summary of WHOQOL Scores

Domain-wise summary of WHOQOL Scores

120

100

80

60

40

20

0
Minimum Score Maximum Score Mean Score SD

Domain 1 - Physical health(Rangae0-100)

Domain 1 -Psychological health(Rangae0-100)
Domain 3 - Social Personal Relationship(Range 0-100)
Domain 4 - Enviornmental and Financial Resources(Range 0-100

33
CHAPTER 6

CONCLUSION

&

IMPLICATIONS

34
CONCLUSION

The results from the present study provide a valuable insight, into the impact of

coping skills on the quality of (QOL) in parents of children with ASD. By assessing the

quality of life and coping skills in mother’s of children with ASD using (WHOQOL) the

WHO Quality of life sale and brief COPE Scale.

The study on "Coping Skills and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism

Spectrum Disorder" revealed key patterns regarding the socio-demographic background,

coping styles, and quality of life among participating mothers. Most mothers were well-

educated, with the majority being homemakers, and their families were primarily in higher or

middle-income brackets. The findings highlighted that family support varied significantly,

with a notable number of mothers reporting only moderate or weak support. Children’s ages

spanned from 2.5 to 5 years, with many mothers having only one child with ASD, while

others managed additional siblings.

The assessment of autism severity using standardized scales indicated that most

children fell into the moderate range, with fewer in the severe or mild categories. Mothers

generally reported good health, though a small portion experienced health challenges like

diabetes. In terms of coping, the majority of mothers used adaptive strategies or a

combination of adaptive and maladaptive approaches, underscoring the complexity of

managing the demands of caregiving. The use of purely maladaptive coping strategies was

notably absent.

Evaluations of quality of life through the WHOQOL scale showed varying results

across different domains. While mothers maintained reasonably positive outcomes in areas

like physical health hand environmental factors, psychological well-being and social

relationships reflected areas for improvement. The study emphasizes the importance of

35
bolstering adaptive coping mechanisms and providing targeted support to enhance the overall

quality of life for these parents. Addressing these challenges can contribute to more

comprehensive interventions aimed at supporting the mental health and well-being of

caregivers of children with ASD.

Implications

The study on Coping Skills and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with Autism

Spectrum Disorder (ASD) highlights several important implications:

1. Support Systems and Mental Health: The findings emphasize the urgent need for

comprehensive mental health support and interventions tailored specifically for parents of

children with ASD, particularly focusing on the psychological domain, which had the lowest

scores. Establishing mental health resources, such as counseling and support groups, can help

parents maintain better psychological well-being.

2. Educational Impact: The study shows that a higher level of education among

mothers is associated with better coping skills and overall quality of life. This underscores the

importance of educational programs that equip parents with knowledge and strategies to

manage the challenges associated with raising a child with ASD. Policymakers and

organizations should consider creating workshops and training sessions that provide parents

with effective coping mechanisms.

3. Community and Social Support: The variability in the social relationship domain

indicates that while some parents benefit from strong social support networks, others may

not. This suggests that fostering community programs that encourage peer support and shared

experiences could significantly improve the quality of life for parents.

36
4. Coping Strategies: The study highlights that adaptive coping strategies lead to

better overall well-being. Programs that teach parents how to adopt and maintain adaptive

coping skills can result in more consistent positive outcomes. On the other hand, mixing

maladaptive strategies with adaptive ones leads to less favorable results, showing the need to

discourage maladaptive coping practices.

5. Tailored Interventions: The results support the development of individualized

intervention plans that focus on strengthening adaptive coping mechanisms and reducing

reliance on maladaptive strategies. This approach can help improve emotional and

psychological health in parents, leading to a better quality of life.

37
CHAPTER 7

DELIMITATION

LIMITATION

AND FUTURE SUGGESTIONS

38
Delimitation

The current study on "Coping Skills and Quality of Life in Parents of Children with

Autism Spectrum Disorder" has certain delimitations to maintain focus and manage the scope

effectively:

1. Participant Criteria: The study was limited to mothers of children diagnosed with

ASD, excluding fathers and other caregivers. This choice was made to ensure consistency in

data and focus on maternal coping strategies and quality of life.

2. Sample Size and Setting: The sample was restricted to 30 mothers who were recruited

from a specialized center, limiting the generalizability of the results to a wider population.

This center primarily serves families in an urban setting, which may not represent rural or

underserved communities.

3. Age Range of Children: The study included children aged 2.5 to 5 years, focusing on

early childhood. This age-specific approach was designed to capture the early intervention

stage, which may not reflect the experiences of parents with older children or those in

adolescence.

4. Assessment Tools: The study used the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS) and

the WHOQOL-BREF scale. These tools were chosen for their relevance and established

validity; however, they may not encompass all dimensions of coping and quality of life

comprehensively.

5. Scope of Coping Strategies: Only coping strategies reported by the mothers were

analyzed, without delving into more granular aspects such as the influence of cultural or

socioeconomic factors on the chosen coping mechanisms.

39
Limitation:

1.Small sample Size: The Study Included only 30 subjects. A small sample size can

limit the generalizability of the finding.

2.Single location : Since the sample is taken from one particular Guidance cell, the

findings are geographically limited.

3.Lack of Control Group : There was no control group for comparison with the

study population, hence results had be discussed with respect to the finding of previous

studies.

4.Cross sectional Design : The study may provide only a snapshot of coping skills

and quality of life at a single point in time, limiting the ability to capture how these factors

evolve over time.

5.Focus on mothers : If the study predominantly includes mothers it may overlook

the perspectives and coping strategies of father or other caregivers who may play significant

roles in child-rearing.

Scope for Further Study

The findings of this research open avenues for more comprehensive investigations:

1. Broader Participant Inclusion: Future studies could include fathers, grandparents, or

other primary caregivers to compare coping mechanisms across different roles and genders,

providing a more complete picture of family dynamics.

2. Larger and Diverse Sample Size: Expanding the sample size and including

participants from various geographic, economic, and cultural backgrounds would enhance the

40
external validity of the results and provide deeper insights into coping strategies across

different demographics.

3. Longitudinal Follow-up: Extending the study to observe parents over a more

extended period would allow for an understanding of how coping strategies and quality of life

evolve as the child grows older and faces different developmental challenges.

4. Comparative Analysis: Future research could compare the quality of life and coping

skills of parents of children with ASD with those of parents of children with other

developmental disabilities, such as Down syndrome or Cerebral Palsy, to identify unique or

shared challenges and needs.

5. Intervention Impact: Investigating the effects of specific support programs or therapy

interventions on improving parental coping skills and quality of life would be beneficial. This

could include structured psychological support, peer support groups, or training in adaptive

strategies.

6. Inclusion of Paternal Health: Considering the psychological and emotional health of

fathers as part of future research would add a comprehensive perspective on family health

dynamics.

7. Technology and Support Tools: Exploring the role of modern technology, such as

apps and online platforms, in supporting parental coping strategies and monitoring mental

well-being could be another valuable avenue for research.

These future directions can enrich the understanding of coping skills and the well-being

of parents, potentially influencing policy changes and the development of targeted support

systems for families with children diagnosed with ASD.

41
CHAPTER 8

REFERENCES

&

APPENDICES

42
REFERENCES

1. Breen , M.J.& Barkley, R.A (1988). Child psychopathology and parenting stress in girls and

boys having attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. J Pediatr Psychol. 13(2),265-280.

2. Bristol, M.M. (1984). Family Resources and Successful Adaptation to Autistic Children .

In schopler , E . &Mesibov, G.B (Eds), the effects of autism on the family .New York :

Plenum .

3. Cantwell, D.P.& Baker, E . (1984) .Research concerning families of children with autism.

In Schopler, E &Mesibov G.B. (Eds), The effects of autism on the family. New

York :Plenum.41-63.

4. Fisman, S.N., L.C ., & Noh , S .(1989). Marital Intimacy in Parents of Exceptional

Children.Canadian Journal of Psychiatry.34, 519- 525.

5. Freeman, N.L., Perry, A., & Factor , D.C (1991) . Child behaviours as stressors:

Replicating and extending the use of the CARS as a measures of stress : A research note . J

Child Psychol Psychiatry.32 (6), 1025 -1030.

6. Harris , S.L. (1994). Treatment of family problems in autism . In E .Schopler& G.B.

Mesibov (Eds ) . Behavioral Issues in Autism. New York : Plenum. 161 – 175.

7. Holmes, N & Carr, J (1991). The Pattern of Care in Families of Adults with a Mental

Handicap : A Comparison between Families of Autistic and Down Syndrome Adults . J

Autism Dev Disord 21 (2) , 159- 202.

8. Morgan S.B (1988) The Autistic Child and Family Functioning A developmental family

system perspective j Autism Dev Disord 18,263-80.

43
9. Sivberg , Chung Vostanis ( 1994 ) Psychological distress in mother’s of disabled

children.Americaian Journal of Diseases of Children.136, 682-6.

10. Smith Chungchvostanisp ( 1994) Family Life Problems,daily caregiving activities of

mothers of mentally retarded children. Am J Ment Retard. 94,231-9 .

11. Wahler R.G. Fox j.j 1(980) solitary toy play and time out a family treatment package for

children with aggressive and oppositional behaviour. J Res Behav Sci.5,21-6.

12. Wolf L.C Noh s, Fisman S.N. Speechley M.(1989) Brief Report , psychological Effect of

parenting Stress on parents of Autistic children . J Autism Dev Disord 19,157-166.

APPENDICES

1. Proforma

2. Master Chart

3. WHOQOL

4. Brief COPE

5. ISAA

44
PROFORMA

Mother Id:

Age:

Education: professional Degree ,Graduate, Intermediate/Diploma,

Occupation: Home maker, Employed full time, Employed part time

Family Income:Rs Per month

Type of family: Nuclear, Joint, Others,

Number of children:

Age of the child Diagnosed with ASD

Severity of ASD Diagnosis (ISSA scale)

Mild, Moderate, Severe

General Health Condition of the mother:

Family support:

A) strong (Always available and helpful)

B) Modulate (some time available)

C) weak (rarely)

45
MASTERCHART AND MASTER KEYS OF DATA
Serial Number Educational Level Employment Status Family Income Family Structure
1 2 2 1 1
2 2 3 1 1
3 3 2 1 2
4 3 3 3 1
5 3 3 1 1
6 2 3 3 2
7 1 1 1 1
8 2 3 3 2
9 3 3 1 1
10 3 3 3 2
11 2 2 1 1
12 2 3 3 2
13 3 3 1 1
14 2 3 3 2
15 1 1 1 1
16 2 3 3 2
17 3 3 1 1
18 2 2 3 2
19 2 3 1 1
20 2 3 3 2
21 3 3 1 1
22 1 1 3 2
23 2 3 1 1
24 2 3 3 2
25 3 2 1 1
26 2 3 3 2
27 3 3 1 1
28 2 3 3 2
29 2 3 1 1
30 2 2 1 1

Key
Educational Level Professional Degree 1
Graduate 2
Intermediate/Diploma 3
Employment Status Full-Time Employed 1
Part-Time Employed 2
Homemaker 3
Family Income High Income Group 1
Middle Income Group 2
Family Structure Nuclear Family 1
Joint Family 2

46
Serial Number Family Support Age of child Number of children in Severity of Autism
diagnosed with ASD family (using ISSA scale)
1 2 1 1 1
2 3 2 1 2
3 2 1 2 2
4 3 3 2 3
5 2 1 2 1
6 3 2 2 2
7 2 1 1 3
8 3 2 2 2
9 2 1 1 2
10 1 3 2 1
11 3 1 2 3
12 2 2 1 2
13 3 1 1 2
14 2 3 2 3
15 3 1 1 2
16 2 2 2 1
17 3 1 1 2
18 2 3 2 2
19 3 1 1 3
20 1 2 2 2
21 2 1 1 1
22 3 2 2 2
23 3 1 1 2
24 2 2 2 2
25 3 1 2 2
26 3 2 2 1
27 2 1 2 2
28 3 2 1 2
29 3 1 2 2
30 2 1 1 1

Key
Family Support Strong 1
Moderate 2
weak 3
Age of child diagnosed with 2.5 – 3 years 1
ASD 3.5 – 4 years 2
4.5 – 5 years 3
Number of children in family One child 1
Two children 2
Severity of Autism (using ISSA severe 1
scale) Moderate 2
Mild 3

47
Serial Number General health Family support Combination of Adaptive coping style
condition of the Adaptive and non-
mother Adaptive coping style
1 1 1 1 1
2 1 2 1 1
3 1 1 1 1
4 1 3 1 1
5 1 1 1 1
6 2 2 1 1
7 2 1 1 1
8 2 2 1 1
9 2 1 1 1
10 2 3 1 1
11 2 1 1 1
12 2 2 1 1
13 2 1 1 1
14 2 3 1 2
15 2 1 2 2
16 2 2 2 2
17 2 1 2 2
18 2 3 2 2
19 2 1 2 2
20 2 2 2 2
21 2 1 2 2
22 2 2 2 2
23 2 1 2 2
24 2 2 2 2
25 2 1 2 2
26 2 2 2 2
27 2 1 2 2
28 2 2 2 2
29 2 1 0 0
30 2 1 0 0

Key
General Health condition of the mother Diabetic 1
No health issues 2

Family support Strong 1

moderate 2
weak 3
Combination of Adaptive and non-adaptive Adaptive coping style 1
coping style Both Adaptive +Maladaptive
Maladaptive coping style 2

3
1
Adaptive coping style Adaptive coping style 2
Both Adaptive +Maladaptive
Maladaptive coping style

48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65