Active coping autistic children and youth: The varying roles of emotional regulation and maternal involvement

Autistic children are at high risk for experiencing adversity such as familial and social stress. We examined coping strategies used by autistic children and which external factors are associated with the development of these skills. Using a data-driven approach, we examined coping styles from a large cohort of autistic children (n = 160, 117 = male). Information on coping styles was collected using the Children’s Coping Strategies Checklist-Revised. A cluster analyses showed that seeking parental support was a key active coping strategy for autistic children. Maternal involvement was associated with higher levels of active coping skills (B=.316. p = .032). However, weaker emotional regulation skills were associated with lower active coping skills in these children (B= −.297, p = .049). Both emotional regulation and parental support are integral in developing active coping skills within these children. Future research should focus on creating parent-child interventions for developing active coping strategies in autistic children. • Autistic children are at higher risk for experiencing stress in social and family contexts. • Using active coping strategies can be an effective way of adapting to stressful events. • Our goal was to examine the development of active strategies autistic children use to cope with adversity. • Mothers may play an important role in the development of active coping skills for autistic children associated with increased active coping strategies.