A Transition Planning Program to Reduce Stress on a Parent Caring for an Adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder affects approximately 3.5 million people in the United States [1]. The transition from childhood to adolescence poses an increase in parenting stress. A key component to the parenting stress is the feeling of unpreparedness for the next phase of life. Parents/caregivers need to be better prepared for these stressful years. Transition planning programs have proven to provide parents/caregivers with knowledge needed to face these years; however, there is minimal research examining the effect of a transition planning program on parenting stress. The sample for this pilot study consisted of parent/caregivers caring for an adolescent with Autism Spectrum Disorder who attended one of the two schools that were utilized in Northeast Ohio. The design consisted of a pre-test (Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), transition planning program, and a post-test Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF). Data was analyzed using a paired t test. A Transition Planning Program provides information needed to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead therefore reducing the parenting stress.