Autism in the child, depression in the mother

According to a recent study, 50 percent of the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) suffer from depression. 

The study, conducted at the University of California, USA, examined the behavior of 86 children and their mothers over the course of 18 months, examining their problems. Their status was assessed on

the basis of a list of depressive symptoms and a self-report made by the women.

To assess the child's behaviour, the focus was on behaviours such as tantrums, aggression and disobedience. The children in the study were between the ages of two and sixteen, 75 percent of whom were primary school students of age or younger.