“How are you doing?”. Parental Well-being in Families with Neurodivergent Children: A Systematic Review

Background: Parental well-being is a critical concern for families with neurodivergent children, including those with autism, ADHD, and intellectual disabilities. These conditions impact family dynamics, increasing stress levels and affecting emotional well-being. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the psychological challenges and coping strategies of parents in these families. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for studies published between 2014 and 2024, focusing on parental stress, coping, and well-being. Results: A total of 29 studies were reviewed. Findings indicate that parents of neurodivergent children experience elevated stress, especially those with autistic children. Social support and tailored interventions were identified as crucial factors for improving parental well-being. Conclusions:Parents of neurodivergent children face significant emotional challenges. Targeted support and strategies for coping are necessary to enhance their mental health and overall quality of life. Keywords: Parental well-being; Neurodivergent children; Systematic review