Impact of Respite Care Services Availability on Stress, Anxiety and Depression in Military Parents who have a Child on the Autism Spectrum

OBJECTIVE: Parenting an autistic child can affect a family’s well-being. Finding resources is critical. This pilot study looked at respite’s impact on parental stress, anxiety, and depression in military families and demographic factors associated with presence of respite care. METHOD: Participants completed three surveys on anonymous basis, including two standardized surveys measuring parental stress and anxiety/depression. Data analysis used Chi-square test and regression analysis. RESULTS: Parents receiving respite reported less stress and anxiety/depression. Respite utilization was associated with absence of comorbid conditions in child and other variables. Predictor variables for parental stress and anxiety/depression included presence of comorbid conditions in child. CONCLUSION: Respite care may be linked to lower parental stress, anxiety, and depression, but more study is needed.