Mothers with Intellectual Disabilities Raising Children with Intellectual Disabilities 
Pages 204-216
Monika Parchomiuk

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.3

Published: 19 January 2017

Abstract: The article describes the results of research involving mothers with intellectual disabilities. The aim of author's own study was to learn about maternal experiences related to raising children with intellectual disabilities. The experiences were described in greater detail in relation to the diagnosed disabilities of their children, early stage of their upbringing, problems emerging during their development, involvement of significant (supporting) persons. In addition, issues addressed in the study included description of maternal competences, the subjective meaning and essence of motherhood, and perception of the role of one's own disability in acting as a mother. Moreover, factors related to life situation of mothers, their previous experiences, especially experiences in their families of origin and personality features significant for the quality of motherhood, were identified.

The Impact of Parental Psychiatric Symptoms and Parent-Child Relationships on Behavioural and Emotional Problems in Newly-Diagnosed Toddlers and Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders
Pages 217-221
Ayhan Bilgiç and Necati Uzun

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.6000/2292-2598.2016.04.04.4

Published: 19 January 2017

Abstract: Background: Emotional and behavioural problems occur at a high rate in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These problems are associated with a broad range of risk factors such as parental psychopathology and family environment in school-age children and adolescents. However, limited information is available about these phenomena in toddlers and preschool children. This cross-sectional study examined the association of maternal and paternal psychiatric symptoms and mother-child relationships with emotional and behavioural problems and socioemotional competence of newly-diagnosed young children with ASD.

Method: Autistic symptoms, developmental level, and mother-child relationship of children were evaluated.Parents completed a checklist on child behavioural and emotional problems, and individual questionnaires on their own mental health.

Results: Participants were 35 children with ASD aged 18 – 53 months, referred to an infant mental health clinic. Maternal hostility and poor mother-child relationships have been found to be independently associated with emotional and behaviour problems in these children.

Conclusions: This study suggests that maternal hostility and mother-child relationship problems may play a role for the development of emotional and behaviour problems in toddlers and preschool children with ASD.