Understanding caregiver burden in mothers of young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder; Role of the sensory profile
Research in Autism, cilt.131, 2026 (SSCI, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 131
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.reia.2026.202818
- Dergi Adı: Research in Autism
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Autism spectrum disorder, Sensory processing, Sensory profile, Caregiver burden
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Purpose: Previous research demonstrated that Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is related with sensory processing problems and elevated parental stress. The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the sensory profile, autism symptom severity and the mothers’ caregiver burden in young children with ASD. Methods: 73 children diagnosed with ASD aged 3–6 years, and their mothers were included. The control group, 73 typically developing children, was age and gender matched. The measures were: Sensory Profile (SP), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Zarit Caregiver Burden Interview (ZBI), DENVER 2 Test, Beck Depression and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Diagnostic interview was conducted by a child and adolescent psychiatrist according to DSM-5 criteria and the diagnosis was confirmed by a committee of three child and adolescent psychiatry specialists. Results: 77 % of the children in the ASD group had sensory processing problems in at least one sensory area. Mothers of children diagnosed with ASD had significantly higher depression, anxiety and caregiver burden scores. A negative correlation was found between children's SP scores and mothers’ caregiver burden (p < 0,05). In the hierarchical regression model developed, 63 % of the caregiver burden was predicted by the SP Score, CARS score, ABC score, mothers’ depression and anxiety scores (F=6,68, p < 0,001). The vestibular and the visual processing scores were found to be statistically significant in predicting the caregiver burden in the regression model (p < 0,05). Conclusion: Sensory processing problems are prevalent in young children with ASD and are related to parents’ caregiver burden.