Exploring Coping Strategies of Mothers Navigating Stress in Raising Children with Autism: A Review

In contrast to other developmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) poses achallenge in early diagnosis due to the absence of a clear biological marker. The resulting uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity make coping challenging for parents, inducing heightened anxiety and tension compared to parents of non-disabled children. This review explores diverse coping mechanisms employed by mothers facing stress and challenges in raising children with autism. Utilizing databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO, we identified 18 studies meeting inclusion criteria—original research in the last 15 years, involving mothers as primary caregivers of children with autism, and focusing on coping strategies. Findings highlight adaptive strategies like problem-focused and engagement coping, effective against maternal stress and contributing to enhanced well-being. Conversely, maladaptive coping pathways, including self-blame and avoidance, reveal associations with heightened anxiety, depression, and psychological distress in families dealing with ASD. To support mothers effectively, interventions should prioritize promoting coping strategies such as seeking support, acceptance, positive thinking, and actively addressing challenges.