Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine parental stress levels of parents who have children with Autism diagnosis. Parental stress levels were examined in relation to child’s level of autism, age, sex, professional support and social support. An online survey was used to conduct this research, which included several demographic questions, Psychological variables, APSI questionnaire and MSPSS questionnaire. Demographic questions included sex, age and marital status. Psychological variables included severity of autism, number of children with Autism in the family and professional support perceived. There was a total of 490 participants. Participation was entirely voluntary and anonymous. Results of this study revealed that parental stress is highly influenced by the severity of autism their child has and child’s age. Professional support and social support were found to have an influence on the stress levels of parents. Parental sex had no relationship with the sex of the child.
