The impact of the broad autism phenotype on social relationships in mothers of children with autism: The role of maternal attachment representations

Abstract

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be stressful, impacting the overall parenting experience and relationship well-being. Mothers of children with ASD are at increased risk for inadequate social support and mental health problems, as well as exhibiting characteristics of the broad autism phenotype (BAP). The BAP is a milder subset of ASD symptoms that include rigidity, aloofness, and struggles with social relationships. Individuals with BAP report less satisfying relationships, more mental health problems, and a higher chance for insecure attachment. No studies have looked at the relationship between BAP, adult attachment, and relationship outcomes in mothers of children with ASD. This study included 114 mothers (mean age = 35) who completed questionnaires online measuring the aforementioned variables. I found that mothers with higher BAP experienced higher attachment anxiety and avoidance. Further, higher BAP predicted poorer outcomes, with attachment avoidance and anxiety mediating many of these outcomes.