Discrepancies in ratings of child behavior between mothers and fathers of autistic children: associations with parent and family functioning

Abstract

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder impairing social communication and causing restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, and activities. Through a family systems framework, the child, family members, and family dyads impact each other bidirectionally. Relationships have been found between levels of parent agreement about their child’s behavior and family-related variables. There is a paucity of research examining discrepancies between parents of autistic children. This study used polynomial regression with response surface analysis to examine discrepancies in ratings of internalizing and externalizing child behavior between 119 parents of autistic children and assessed whether discrepancies predicted family outcomes. Results revealed discrepant ratings in half of the sample with equal instances of mother rating higher as father rating higher. Discrepancies in ratings of internalizing and externalizing behavior predicted depressive symptoms for both parents and discrepancies in ratings of externalizing behaviors predicted father relationship satisfaction. Results have implications for interventions targeting parents with autistic children.