Parental functioning and stress predictors during the early stages of diagnosing ASD in their children

Parents of children undergoing assessment for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often navigate lengthy and uncertain diagnostic processes, which may contribute to elevated stress. While previous research has focused on parental functioning after a confirmed ASD diagnosis, less is known about parents in the early evaluative phase. This study investigated parental stress levels and psychosocial predictors during the initial stages of ASD assessment. A total of 82 parents completed questionnaires and provided sociodemographic and diagnostic-process data. Measures included the Parental Stress Scale, Brief COPE, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale–Short Version, Zarit Burden Scale, Affiliate Stigma Questionnaire, Marital Conflict Resolution Success Scale, Support in Intimate Relationships Rating Scale (Revised), Friend and Family support subscales, and FACES-III. Parents reported moderate intolerance of uncertainty and low-to-moderate stress, stigma, and burden. They mainly relied on coping strategies such as Acceptance, Positive reframing, and Planning, and perceived strong support from partners, friends, and extended family; families were cohesive but moderately adaptable. Lower stress was robustly associated with Acceptance. Additional trends suggested lower stress among fathers, parents of boys, parents with one child, and those with average financial status, whereas higher stress tended to be associated with older parental age, greater stigma, and greater reliance on Humor and Positive reframing. Prior to receiving an ASD diagnosis, parental stress is shaped more by uncertainty and specific coping patterns than by overall psychological burden. Interventions aimed at reducing uncertainty, addressing stigma, and promoting effective coping may be particularly valuable for families in the diagnostic phase, especially for at-risk subgroups.