What is it about?
After a child is diagnosed with autism, parents often face stress, self-doubt and stigma. This study tested a culturally adapted, 12-session group counselling programme for Saudi parents of children with a clinical autism diagnosis. Of 240 parents, half received the programme over six weeks and half were placed on a waiting list. Network analysis was used to see how acceptance, parenting confidence, stigma and stress are connected.
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Photo by Jessica Rockowitz on Unsplash
Why is it important?
Parents' acceptance of the diagnosis sat at the centre of the network, linked to better understanding and confidence and to lower stress and stigma. Parents who received the counselling showed clear gains in acceptance and parenting satisfaction, and reductions in stigma and stress. Early, culturally sensitive family counselling could therefore be a practical way to support families soon after diagnosis.
Perspectives
The months after an autism diagnosis are a critical window for families. I hope this study shows service providers in Saudi Arabia and the wider region that culturally adapted family counselling is a practical way to help parents accept the diagnosis and feel more confident in supporting their child.
Prof Nizar H Bagadood
Umm Al-Qura University
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Parental Acceptance and Its Network Relations With Stigma, Parenting Competence and Stress in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Network Approach, Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, April 2026, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1002/cpp.70279.
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