تارا پوریا

Choosing an inappropriate parenting method can have lasting effects on the personality, social, and academic development of children with autism. The lack of proper parental treatment can result in depression, anxiety, and social issues for family members if not addressed appropriately. In recent years, there has been a significant increase in the number of people with autism. Researchers have therefore decided to compare the parenting methods and problem-solving styles used by parents of children with autism and parents of healthy children.

This was a descriptive cross-sectional comparative study. The study included 234 parents of healthy and autistic children in elementary school's first to sixth grade. Participants were selected using quota and convenience sampling. The inclusion criteria included students who were not single parents, parents who lived together, did not use educational programs related to the subject of study, and had literacy. Demographic information questionnaires, Baumrind's parenting methods, and Cassidy and Long's problem-solving styles were used to collect data. An independent t-test was used to compare the mean difference between the two groups, and a chi-square test was used to assess the frequency difference among the groups. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 22.

The results showed that parents of healthy children used permissive (4.95±24.70) and authoritarian (5.51±25.51) methods more than parents of children with autism. The parents of children with autism used an authoritative style more than the parents of healthy children (4.22±8.92). In comparing problem-solving methods, parents of both groups used the confrontational style more.

Choosing the right style in raising children with autism by parents and teaching correct parenting methods plays an essential role in the motor-social development process of these children. The relevant authorities should take positive steps to improve the quality of life of parents and children with autism by providing necessary training classes on parenting methods and problem-solving strategies to parents.