Hope and worry in mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome

Mothers of children with an autism spectrum disorder (n = 199) or Down syndrome (n = 60) responded to an online questionnaire that assessed their hope and worry. Findings support previous research suggesting that hope is a protective factor against psychological distress: mothers with higher hope reported lower worry. Mothers who reported lower worry had more education and older children or children who were higher functioning. Those whose children had Down syndrome reported lower future-related worry and higher hope. In response to an open-ended question regarding what they worried about when they woke up at night, mothers’ responses resulted in themes related to themselves as well as to their children and families.

Research highlights
► We examined hope and worry in mothers of children with an ASD or Down syndrome.
► Mothers who had higher hope reported lower levels of worry.
► Mothers of children with autism reported lower hope and higher worry.
► Mothers also reported the topics of their worry.
► Mothers’ worries illustrate the many roles and responsibilities these women hold.