"I have to put my own mask on first, but I can't": facilitators and barriers to mental health service use in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD)
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Date
2023-05-17
Authors
Roy, Rachel
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Abstract
Background: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience elevated stress and poor mental health compared to parents of neurotypical children and children with other neurodevelopmental disabilities. Yet, these parents access mental health services at low rates, and information on barriers and facilitators to mental health service use is scarce. This study examined facilitators and barriers for accessing mental health support for parents of children with ASD in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Method: Two separate but related studies were conducted. Data were collected through 1) an online survey (N = 44) to quantify descriptive characteristics of those accessing and not accessing services, and 2) individual interviews (N = 10) with parents on mental health service use experiences.
Results: Quantitative results indicated the majority of parents had accessed mental health services (N = 32), with the most common facilitator the belief that they needed them. For parents who did not access (N = 12) the most frequently reported barrier was having no time/energy. Parents, ‘on average’, reported clinically significant levels of parenting stress. Qualitative results generated themes related to barriers (lack of time, services, cost, flexibility, stigma, negative social influence) and facilitators (information gathering, advertisements, self-realization, accessibility, positive social influences).
Impact: This study aimed to advance empirical knowledge on mental health service use in parents of children diagnosed with ASD. The results can inform targeted interventions and program development at organizations supporting families of children with ASD, having indirect implications for lower parental stress and improved child outcomes.
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Keywords
Mental health, Facilitators, Barriers, Autism spectrum disorder, Service use