Well-being does not predict change in parenting behaviours among mothers of young children at elevated likelihood of autism

Abstract

Well-being and parenting behaviours were studied longitudinally among mothers of younger siblings of children on the autism spectrum (‘siblings’; n = 81) and prematurely born children (‘pre-terms’; n = 40). Growth curves were modelled to investigate whether maternal well-being and group (siblings vs. pre-terms) were associated with (change in) reported parenting behaviours between 10 and 24 months of child’s age. As expected, we found more stability than change in parenting behaviours, and more similarities than group differences in parenting behaviours and maternal well-being. Both mothers of siblings and pre-terms reported more disciplinary behaviours when their child grew older, in line with general population findings. Initial levels of supportive behaviours were equally high among mothers of siblings and pre-terms, but mothers of pre-terms reported a further increase between 10 and 24 months while mothers of siblings reported stability. Contrary to our hypotheses, maternal well-being was not associated with any of the parenting behaviours. Despite well-being levels below the general population mean (primarily in the sibling group), mothers in our sample reported that they often used supportive behaviours. This is encouraging, as all children, but in particular a subgroup of children at elevated likelihood of autism who may be especially susceptible to their environment, benefit from supportive and responsive behaviours.