The comparison of cognitive and psychological performance between mothers of children with autism and mothers of normal children

research showed having a child with autism disorder can have adverse effects on mother’s psychological condition, but can be compare them with those who have normal children.

The present study aimed to compare cognitive (executive functions, mindfulness ability) and psychological (depression, anxiety, stress) functions between mothers with autistic child and mothers with normal child.

The present study was a causal-comparative study. Two groups involving 30 mothers with autistic children and 30 mothers with normal children were selected. Thirty mothers with autistic children were selected among the mothers of autistic children who referred to rehabilitation centers and autism center of the city of Tabriz for rehabilitation interventions for their children in autumn and winter 2018. Two groups completed Barkley (1997) deficits in executive functioning scale, Beer, Ward, & Moar (2013) Kentucky inventory of mindfulness skills, and Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) 42-item depression anxiety and stress scales. 

Multivariate analysis of variance showed that the levels of deficits in executive functioning (p=0/007) as well as depression, anxiety, and stress (p=0/001) in mothers with autistic children were significantly higher than mothers with normal children. The mindfulness level in mothers with autistic children was significantly lower than mothers with normal children (p=0/012).

the mothers of autistic children indicated more depression, anxiety, stress but lower mindfulness comparing with other group of mothers.