Reaction to diagnosis and subsequent health in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder

A total of 84 mothers of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, with stable reactions to diagnosis over a year, participated.

Their perceptions of their physical and psychological functioning, and quality of life, were taken at the time of diagnosis and 1 year later. The mothers were also given the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview. Mothers who had an unresolved reaction to diagnosis had a worse health status in terms of their perception of the physical symptoms at the time of the diagnosis, and showed worsening levels of health over the period of a year, relative to mothers who had a resolved diagnostic status.