Skip to main content

The Stress of Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Parental Stress and Early Child Development

Abstract

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) generally report high levels of parenting stress, although research indicates that the degree of stress parents experience varies by type of stress and child disability. Numerous studies have examined predictors of parenting stress among families of children with IDD, and child behavior problems appear to be the most robust predictor of stress among these parents. Research indicates that the relationship between parenting stress and child behavior problems in transactional, and, therefore, parenting stress may exacerbate child behavior problems over time. Thus, designing effective evidenced-based interventions to address parental stress among families of children with IDD with critical in promoting positive outcomes for both parents and children with IDD.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 59.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 79.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 199.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Abidin, R. R. (1990). Parenting stress index manual (3rd ed.). Charlottesville, VA: Pediatric Psychology Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ainbinder, J., Blanchard, L. W., Singer, G. H., Sullivan, M. E., Powers, L., K., Marquis, J. G., & Santelli, B. (1998). A qualitative study of parent to parent support for parents of children with special needs. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 23(2), 99–109.

    Google Scholar 

  • Altmaier, E., & Maloney, R. (2007). An initial evaluation of a mindful parenting program. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 63(12), 1231–1238.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anastopoulos, A., & Guevremont, D. (1992). Parenting stress among families of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 20(5), 503–520.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Anthony, K., Bromberg, M., Gil, K., & Schanberg, L. (2011). Parental perceptions of child vulnerability and parent stress as predictors of pain and adjustment in children with chronic arthritis. Children’s Health Care, 40(1), 53–69.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Anthony, L., Anthony, B., Glanville, D., Naiman, D., Waanders, C., & Shaffer, S. (2005). The relationships between parenting stress, parenting behavior and preschoolers’ social competence and behavior problems in the classroom. Infant and Child Development, 14(2), 133–154.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bagner, D., & Eyberg, S. (2007). Parent–child interaction therapy for disruptive behavior in children with mental retardation: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, 36(3), 418–429.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, B. L., Blacher, J., Crnic, K. A., & Edelbrock, C. (2002). Behavior problems and parenting stress in families of three-year-old children with and without developmental delays. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 107(6), 433–444.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, B. L., Landen, S., & Kashima, K. (1991). Effects of parent training on families of children with mental retardation: Increased burden or generalized benefit? American Journal on Mental Retardation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Baker, B. L., McIntyre, L. L., Blacher, J., Crnic, K., Edelbrock, C., & Low, C. (2003). Pre-school children with and without developmental delay: Behaviour problems and parenting stress over time. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47(4), 217–230.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Baker, B. L., Neece, C. L., Fenning, R. M., Crnic, K. A., & Blacher, J. (2010). Mental disorders in five-year-old children with or without developmental delay: Focus on ADHD. Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, 39(4), 492–505.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bazzano, A., Wolfe, C., Zylowska, L., Wang, S., Schuster, E., Barrett, C., et al. (2015). Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities: a community-based approach. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(2), 298–308.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Belsky, J., Woodworth, S., & Crnic, K. (1996). Trouble in the second year: Three questions about family interaction. Child Development, 67(2), 556–578.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Blacher, J., & McIntyre, L. L. (2006). Syndrome specificity and behavioural disorders in young adults with intellectual disability: Cultural differences in family impact. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(3), 184–198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bögels, S., Hoogstad, B., van Dun, L., de Schutter, S., & Restifo, K. (2008). Mindfulness training for adolescents with externalizing disorders and their parents. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36(02), 193–209.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Brinker, R., Seifer, R., & Sameroff, A. (1994). Relations among maternal stress, cognitive development, and early intervention in middle-and low-SES infants with developmental disabilities. American Journal on Mental Retardation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bronfenbrenner, U. (1979). Contexts of child rearing: Problems and prospects. American Psychologist, 34(10), 844.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Canter, K. S., & Roberts, M. C. (2012). A systematic and quantitative review of interventions to facilitate school reentry for children with chronic health conditions. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 37(10), 1065–1075.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Carmody, J., & Baer, R. (2009). How long does a mindfulness-based stress reduction program need to be? A review of class contact hours and effect sizes for psychological distress. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 65(6), 627–638.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chambers, R., Gullone, E., & Allen, N. B. (2009). Mindful emotion regulation: An integrative review. Clinical Psychology Review, 29(6), 560–572.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Chan, J. B., & Sigafoos, J. (2001). Does respite care reduce parental stress in families with developmentally disabled children? Child & Youth Care Forum, 30(5), 253–263.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chiesa, A., & Serretti, A. (2009). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for stress management in healthy people: A review and meta-analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15(5), 593–600.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Coldwell, J., Pike, A., & Dunn, J. (2006). Household chaos—Links with parenting and child behaviour. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 47(11), 1116–1122.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Conger, R. D., Patterson, G. R., & Ge, X. (1995). It takes two to replicate: A mediational model for the impact of parents’ stress on adolescent adjustment. Child Development, 66(1), 80–97.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Cowen, P. S., & Reed, D. A. (2002). Effects of respite care for children with developmental disabilities: Evaluation of an intervention for at risk families. Public Health Nursing, 19(4), 272–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crandall, A., Deater-Deckard, K., & Riley, A. W. (2015). Maternal emotion and cognitive control capacities and parenting: A conceptual framework. Developmental Review, 36, 105–126.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Crnic, K., Arbona, A. P., Baker, B., & Blacher, J. (2009). Mothers and fathers together: Contrasts in parenting across preschool to early school age in children with developmental delays. International Review of Research in Mental Retardation, 37, 3–30.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Crnic, K., Gaze, C., & Hoffman, C. (2005). Cumulative parenting stress across the preschool period: Relations to maternal parenting and child behaviour at age 5. Infant and Child Development, 14(2), 117–132.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Crnic, K. A., & Greenberg, M. T. (1990). Minor parenting stresses with young children. Child Development, 61(5), 1628–1637.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Crnic, K. A., Greenberg, M. T., Ragozin, A. S., Robinson, N. M., & Basham, R. B. (1983). Effects of stress and social support on mothers and premature and full-term infants. Child development, 209–217.

    Google Scholar 

  • Crnic, K., & Neece, C. (2015). Socioemotional consequences of illness and disability. Handbook of Child Psychology and Developmental Science, 3(8), 1–37.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dabrowska, A., & Pisula, E. (2010). Parenting stress and coping styles in mothers and fathers of pre-school children with autism and Down syndrome. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 54(3), 266–280.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Davidson, B., & Dosser Jr, D. A. (1982). A support system for families with developmentally disabled infants. Family Relations, 295–299.

    Google Scholar 

  • Davis, N. O., & Carter, A. S. (2008). Parenting stress in mothers and fathers of toddlers with autism spectrum disorders: Associations with child characteristics. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(7), 1278–1291.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Deater-Deckard, K. (1998). Parenting stress and child adjustment: Some old hypotheses and new questions. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 5(3), 314–332.

    Google Scholar 

  • Deater-Deckard, K., & Scarr, S. (1996). Parenting stress among dual-earner mothers and fathers: Are there gender differences? Journal of Family Psychology, 10(1), 45–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Donenberg, G., & Baker, B. L. (1993). The impact of young children with externalizing behaviours on their families. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 21(2), 179–198.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dunn, M. E., Burbine, T., Bowers, C. A., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. (2001). Moderators of stress in parents of children with autism. Community Mental Health Journal, 37(1), 39–52.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • DuPaul, G. J., Weyandt, L. L., O’Dell, S. M., & Varejao, M. (2009). College students with ADHD. Journal of Attention Disorders, 13(3), 234–250.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dykens, E., Fisher, M., & Taylor, J. (2014). Reducing distress in mothers of children with autism and other disabilities: A randomized trial. Pediatrics, 134(2), 454–463.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhower, A., Baker, B., & Blacher, J. (2005). Preschool children with intellectual disability: Syndrome specificity, behaviour problems, and maternal well-being. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 49(9), 657–671.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Eisenhower, A. S., Baker, B. L., & Blacher, J. (2009). Children’s delayed development and behavior problems: Impact on mothers’ perceived physical health across early childhood. Social Science and Medicine, 68(1), 89–99.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Emerson, E., & Einfeld, S. (2010). Emotional and behavioural difficulties in young children with and without developmental delay: A bi-national perspective. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 51(5), 583–593.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Estes, A., Munson, J., Dawson, G., Koehler, E., Zhou, X.-H., & Abbott, R. (2009). Parenting stress and psychological functioning among mothers of preschool children with autism and developmental delay. Autism: The International Journal of Research and Practice, 13(4), 375–87.

    Google Scholar 

  • Feldman, M. A., & Werner, S. E. (2002). Collateral effects of behavioral parent training on families of children with developmental disabilities and severe behavior disorders. Behavioral Interventions, 17(2), 75–83.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gammon, E., & Rose, S. (1991). The coping skills training program for parents of children with developmental disabilities: An experimental evaluation. Research on Social Work Practice, 1(3), 244–256.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gerstein, E. D., Crnic, K. A., Blacher, J., & Baker, B. L. (2009). Resilience and the course of daily parenting stress in families of young children with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 53(12), 981–997.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Glidden, L. M., & Schoolcraft, S. A. (2003). Depression: Its trajectory and correlates in mothers rearing children with intellectual disability. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 47(4–5), 250–263.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greaves, D. (1997). The effect of rational-emotive parent education on the stress of mothers of young children with Down syndrome. Journal of Rational-Emotive and Cognitive-Behavior, 15(4), 249–267.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, V. B. (2007). Comparison of parenting stress in different developmental disabilities. Journal of Developmental and Physical Disabilities, 19(4), 417–425.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guralnick, M. J., Neville, B., Connor, R. T., & Hammond, M. A. (2003). Family factors associated with the peer social competence of young children with mild delays. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 108(4), 272–287.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hastings, R. P., & Beck, A. (2004). Practitioner review: Stress intervention for parents of children with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 45(8), 1338–1349.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hastings, R. P., Daley, D., Burns, C., & Beck, A. (2006). Maternal distress and expressed emotion: Cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships with behavior problems of children with intellectual disabilities. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 111(1), 48–61.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hauser-Cram, P., Warfield, M. E., Shonkoff, J. P., & Krauss, M. W. (2001). Children with disabilities: A longitudinal study of child development and parent well-being. Monographs of the Society for Research in Child Development, 66(3), 1–131. doi:10.1111/1540-5834.00151.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Herring, S., Gray, K. M., Taffe, J., Tonge, B., Sweeney, D., & Einfeld, S. (2006). Behaviour and emotional problems in toddlers with pervasive developmental disorders and developmental delay: Associations with parental mental health and family functioning. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(12), 874–882.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoare, P., Harris, M., Jackson, P., & Kerley, S. (1998). A community survey of children with severe intellectual disability and their families: Psychological adjustment, carer distress and the effect of respite care. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 42(3), 218–227.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hodapp, R. M., Fidler, D. J., & Smith, A. C. M. (1998). Families of children with Prader-Willi syndrome: Stress-support and relations to child characteristics. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 42(5), 331–340.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kabat-Zinn, J. (2003). Mindfulness-based interventions in context: Past, present, and future. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 144–156.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A., & Whitley, M. (2003). Treatment of parental stress to enhance therapeutic change among children referred for aggressive and antisocial behavior. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 71(3), 504.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kersh, J., Hedvat, T. T., Warfield, M. E., Hauser-Cram, P., & Warfield, M. E. (2006). The contribution of marital quality to the well-being of parents of children with developmental disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(Pt 12), 883–93.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kirkham, M. (1993). Two-year follow-up of skills training with mothers of children with disabilities. American Journal on Mental Retardation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kirkham, M., & Schilling, R. (1990). Life skills training with mothers of handicapped children. Journal of Social Service Research, 13(2), 67–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lecavalier, L., Leone, S., & Wiltz, J. (2006). The impact of behaviour problems on caregiver stress in young people with autism spectrum disorders. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 50(3), 172–183.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lopez, V., Clifford, T., Minnes, P., & Ouellette-Kuntz, H. (2008). Parental stress and coping in families of children with and without developmental delays. Journal on Developmental Disabilities, 14(2), 99–104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lyons, A. M., Leon, S. C., Phelps, C. E. R., & Dunleavy, A. M. (2010). The impact of child symptom severity on stress among parents of children with ASD: The moderating role of coping styles. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(4), 516–524.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mackler, J. S., Kelleher, R. T., Shanahan, L., Calkins, S. D., Keane, S. P., & O’Brien, M. (2015). Parenting stress, parental reactions, and externalizing behavior from ages 4 to 10. Journal of Marriage and Family, 77(2), 388–406.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Madan-Swain, A., Katz, E., & LaGory, J. (2004). School and social reintegration after a serious illness or injury. Handbook of Pediatric Psychology in School Settings, 637–655.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mathis, E. T., & Bierman, K. L. (2015). Dimensions of parenting associated with child prekindergarten emotion regulation and attention control in low income families. Social Development, 24(3), 601–620.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • McIntyre, L., & Abbeduto, L. (2008). Parent training for young children with developmental disabilities: Randomized controlled trial. American Journal on Mental Retardation, 113(5), 356–368.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Merrell, K. W., & Holland, M. L. (1997). Social-emotional behavior of preschool-age children with and without developmental delays. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 18(6), 393–405.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Minor, H., Carlson, L., Mackenzie, M., Zernicke, K., & Jones, L. (2006). Mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR) for parents and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities: A community-based approach. Social Work in Health Care, 43(1), 91–109.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Moreira, H., Gouveia, M. J., Carona, C., Silva, N., & Canavarro, M. C. (2014). Maternal attachment and children’s quality of life: The mediating role of self-compassion and parenting stress. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 24(8), 2332–2344.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mullins, L. L., Aniol, K., Boyd, M. L., Page, M. C., & Chaney, J. M. (2002). The influence of respite care on psychological distress in parents of children with developmental disabilities: A longitudinal study. Children’s Services: Social Policy, Research, and Practice, 5(2), 123–138.

    Google Scholar 

  • Neece, C. L. (2013). Mindfulness-based stress reduction for parents of young children with developmental delays: Implications for parental mental health and child behavior problems. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 27(2), 174–186.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Neece, C. L., & Baker, B. L. (2008). Predicting maternal parenting stress in middle childhood: The roles of child intellectual status, behaviour problems and social skills. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 52(12), 1114–1128.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Neece, C. L., Green, S. A., & Baker, B. L. (2012). Parenting stress and child behavior problems: A transactional relationship across time. American Journal on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, 117(1), 48–66.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • NICHD Early Child Care Research Network. (2004). Affect dysregulation in the mother-child relationship in the toddler years: Antecedents and consequences. Development and Psychopathology, 16, 43–68.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nieter, L., Thornberry, T., & Brestan-Knight, E. (2013). The effectiveness of group parent–child interaction therapy with community families. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 22(4), 490–501.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nixon, C., & Singer, G. (1993). Group cognitive behavioral treatment for excessive parental self-blame and guilt. American Journal on Mental Retardation.

    Google Scholar 

  • Oelofsen, N., & Richardson, P. (2006). Sense of coherence and parenting stress in mothers and fathers of preschool children with developmental disability. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 31(1), 1–12.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Orsmond, G. I., Seltzer, M. M., Krauss, M. W., & Hong, J. (2003). Behavior problems in adults with mental retardation and maternal well-being: Examination of the direction of effects. American Journal of Mental Retardation, 108(4), 257–271.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, L. A., McHugh, L., Saunders, J., & Reed, P. (2008). Parenting stress reduces the effectiveness of early teaching interventions for autistic spectrum disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 38(6), 1092–1103.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, L., & Reed, P. (2009). The relationship between parenting stress and behavior problems of children with autistic spectrum disorders. Exceptional Children, 76(1), 54–73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pai, A. L., Greenley, R. N., Lewandowski, A., Drotar, D., Youngstrom, E., & Peterson, C. C. (2007). A meta-analytic review of the influence of pediatric cancer on parent and family functioning. Journal of Family Psychology, 21(3), 407.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Painter, L., Cook, J., & Silverman, P. (1999). The effects of therapeutic storytelling and behavioral parent training on noncompliant behavior in young boys. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 21(2), 47–66.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Parish, S. L., Seltzer, M. M., Greenberg, J. S., & Floyd, F. (2004). Economic implications of caregiving at midlife: Comparing parents with and without children who have developmental disabilities. Mental Retardation, 42(6), 413–426.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Pisula, E. (2007). A comparative study of stress profiles in mothers of children with autism and those of children with Down’s syndrome. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 20(3), 274–278.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Quine, L., & Pahl, J. (1991). Stress and coping in mothers caring for a child with severe learning difficulties: A test of Lazarus’ transactional model of coping. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 1(1), 57–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rimmerman, A., Kramer, R., Levy, J. M., & Levy, P. H. (1989). Who benefits most from respite care? International Journal of Rehabilitation Research, 12(1), 41–48.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Robbins, F. R., Dunlap, G., & Plienis, A. J. (1991). Family characteristics, family training, and the progress of young children with autism. Journal of Early Intervention, 15(2), 173–184.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Roberts, L. R., & Neece, C. L. (2015). Feasibility of mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention for parents of children with developmental delays. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 36(8), 592–602.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rodrigue, J., Morgan, S., & Geffken, G. (1990). Families of autistic children: Psychological functioning of mothers. Journal of Clinical Child Psychology, 19(4), 371–379.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rothbaum, F., & Weisz, J. R. (1994). Parental caregiving and child externalizing behavior in nonclinical samples: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 116(1), 55.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Sanders, J., & Morgan, S. (1997). Family stress and adjustment as perceived by parents of children with autism or down syndrome: Implications for intervention. Child & Family Behavior Therapy, 19(4), 15–32.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singer, G. H., Ethridge, B. L., & Aldana, S. I. (2007). Primary and secondary effects of parenting and stress management interventions for parents of children with developmental disabilities: A meta-analysis. Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 13(4), 357–369.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singer, G. H., Irvin, L., & Hawkins, N. (1988). Stress management training for parents of children with severe handicaps. Mental Retardation, 26(3), 269–277.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singer, G. H., Marquis, J., Powers, L. K., Blanchard, L., DiVenere, N., Santelli, B., … Sharp, M. (1999). A multi-site evaluation of parent to parent programs for parents of children with disabilities. Journal of Early Intervention, 22(3), 217–229.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Fisher, B. C., Wahler, R. G., Mcaleavey, K., … & Sabaawi, M. (2006). Mindful parenting decreases aggression, noncompliance, and self-injury in children with autism. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 14(3), 169–177.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S. W., Karazsia, B. T., Myers, R. E., Latham, L. L., et al. (2014). Mindfulness-based positive behavior support (MBPBS) for mothers of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Effects on adolescents’ behavior and parental stress. Mindfulness, 5(6), 646–657.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Singh, A. N., Adkins, A. D., & Singh, J. (2009). Mindful staff can reduce the use of physical restraints when providing care to individuals with intellectual disabilities. Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities, 22(2), 194–202.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Lancioni, G. E., Winton, A. S., Singh, J., Curtis, W. J., Wahler, R. G., et al. (2007). Mindful parenting decreases aggression and increases social behavior in children with developmental disabilities. Behavior Modification, 31(6), 749–771.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Singh, N. N., Singh, A., & Lancioni, G. (2010). Mindfulness training for parents and their children with ADHD increases the children’s compliance. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 19(2), 157–166.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sloper, P., Knussen, C., Turner, S., & Cunningham, C. (1991). Factors related to stress and satisfaction with life in families of children with down’s syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 32(4), 655–676.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, A. L., Romski, M., Sevcik, R. A., Adamson, L. B., & Barker, R. M. (2014). Parent stress and perceptions of language development: Comparing down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. Family Relations, 63(1), 71–84.

    Google Scholar 

  • Strauss, K., Vicari, S., Valeri, G., D’Elia, L., Arima, S., & Fava, L. (2012). Parent inclusion in early intensive behavioral intervention: The influence of parental stress, parent treatment fidelity and parent-mediated generalization of behavior targets on child outcomes. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 33(2), 688–703.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Suárez, L. M., & Baker, B. L. (1997). Child externalizing behavior and parents’ stress: The role of social support. Family Relations, 46(4), 373–381.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Theule, J., Wiener, J., Tannock, R., & Jenkins, J. M. (2013). Parenting stress in families of children with ADHD: A meta-analysis. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Disorders, 21(1), 3–17.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tomanik, S., Harris, G. E., & Hawkins, J. (2004). The relationship between behaviours exhibited by children with autism and maternal stress. Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 29(1), 16–26.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wainberg, H. A. (1999). Parent training for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: Parental and child outcome. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 55(7), 907–913.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Warren, R., & Cohen, S. (1985). Respite care. Rehabilitation Literature, 46, 66–71.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weiss, M. J. (2002). Hardiness and social support as predictors of stress in mothers of typical children, children with autism, and children with mental retardation. Autism, 6(1), 115–130.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wong, F. K., & Poon, A. (2010). Cognitive behavioural group treatment for Chinese parents with children with developmental disabilities in Melbourne, Australia: An efficacy study. The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 44(8), 742–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Woodman, A. C. (2014). Trajectories of stress among parents of children with disabilities: A dyadic analysis. Family Relations, 63(1), 39–54.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Woodman, A. C., & Hauser-Cram, P. (2013). The role of coping strategies in predicting change in parenting efficacy and depressive symptoms among mothers of adolescents with developmental disabilities. Journal of Intellectual Disability Research, 57(6), 513–530.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Woodman, A. C., Mawdsley, H. P., & Hauser-Cram, P. (2015). Parenting stress and child behavior problems within families of children with developmental disabilities: Transactional relations across 15 years. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 36, 246–276.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Cameron L. Neece .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 Springer International Publishing AG

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Neece, C.L., Chan, N. (2017). The Stress of Parenting Children with Developmental Disabilities. In: Deater-Deckard, K., Panneton, R. (eds) Parental Stress and Early Child Development. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-55376-4_5

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics