Ajustement maternel : une étude longitudinale des variables transactionnelles et de la qualité de vie au cours de l’année suivant le diagnostic d’autisme d’un enfant

Introduction Receiving an official diagnosis can be an emotional experience for parents of autistic children and generate a need for psychosocial adjustment. Objective The aim of the study was to assess the perception of mothers of autistic children regarding their level of stress, control over their child's development, satisfaction regarding social support, family functioning, coping strategies, and impact on quality of life, in the year following their child's diagnosis. Method Thirty-one mothers of autistic children were recruited through diagnosis centres and completed a set of questionnaires measuring the targeted variables three times: a month after the diagnosis, six months after, and a year after. Results Results showed no significant evolution of the level of perceived stress, perceived control over the child's development, perceived family functioning, coping strategies, and impact on quality of life over the year post-diagnosis. However, a significant decrease in perceived satisfaction regarding social support was observed during the assessed period. Discussion Results are discussed in relation to the existing literature on the topic, which contains inconsistent data and needs to be broadened, and to other factors which could have influenced them. Specifically, the decrease in perceived satisfaction regarding social support should be investigated. Indeed, the appointments related to the diagnostic assessments may provide access to professional support, which would be less available at the end of the process. Recommendations are made for further studies and clinical applications of the results.