Mothers of children with autism experience more stress than mothers of kids with other types of developmental delay, according to a study published in the July issue of the journal Autism.

Researchers at the University of Washington surveyed mothers of 73 children — 51 with autism and 22 with developmental delay — to assess levels of parenting stress and psychological distress. Aside from stress, researchers asked about a child’s behavior, adaptive functioning level and level of daily living skills like feeding and bathing.

The findings indicate that mothers of children with autism have higher levels of parenting stress — or stress related directly to the role of parenting — and psychological distress, or general stress unrelated to parenting.

Problem behavior correlated with a higher stress level among both groups of mothers, but was particularly acute for mothers of children with autism. A child’s level of daily living skills did not appear to impact a mother’s stress level.

“Both groups of women are dealing with children who need high levels of caregiving. But there is something about autism that is making a difference and adding stress,” said Annette Estes, of the University of Washington who is the lead author of the study.

Read more stories like this one. Sign up for Disability Scoop's free email newsletter to get the latest developmental disability news sent straight to your inbox.