Abstract
Health symptoms of mothers of adolescents and adults with fragile X syndrome (FXS; n = 112) were compared to a nationally-representative
sample of mothers of similarly-aged children without disabilities (n = 230) as well as to a sample of mothers of adolescents
and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 96). Health symptoms experienced in the previous 24 h were recorded during
8 consecutive days of a daily diary study. Both mothers of a son or daughter with FXS and mothers of a son or daughter with
ASD had a higher proportion of days with headaches, backaches, muscle soreness, fatigue, and hot flashes than mothers of children
without disabilities. Mothers of children with disabilities appear to be at particular risk for health problems, highlighting
a need for comprehensive services for families across the lifespan.
sample of mothers of similarly-aged children without disabilities (n = 230) as well as to a sample of mothers of adolescents
and adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASD; n = 96). Health symptoms experienced in the previous 24 h were recorded during
8 consecutive days of a daily diary study. Both mothers of a son or daughter with FXS and mothers of a son or daughter with
ASD had a higher proportion of days with headaches, backaches, muscle soreness, fatigue, and hot flashes than mothers of children
without disabilities. Mothers of children with disabilities appear to be at particular risk for health problems, highlighting
a need for comprehensive services for families across the lifespan.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1422-7
- Authors
- Leann E. Smith, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Marsha Mailick Seltzer, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Jan S. Greenberg, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257