Parental Stress, Discipline Strategies, and Child Behavior Problems in Families with Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Stress and disruptive behavior in children are often topics of concern among parents. This study examined the association between parental stress, parenting strategies, and disruptive behavior problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parental stress was elevated in parents with children with ASD, and children with ASD had increased problem behaviors when parents used harsh or punitive strategies.