A Transdiagnostic Comparison of Mindfulness and Parenting Stress in Mothers of Children With Autism, Developmental Delay, and Fragile X Syndrome

Am J Intellect Dev Disabil. 2025 Jul 1;130(4):249-264. doi: 10.1352/1944-7558-130.4.249.

Abstract

This study compared mindfulness and parenting daily hassles (PDH) among mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delay (DD), and Fragile X syndrome (FXS), and explored diagnostic group as a moderator of the relationship between mindfulness and PDH. Mothers of children with ASD (n = 166), DD (n = 113), and FXS (n = 74) completed measures of PDH, trait mindfulness, and mindful parenting. Mothers reported comparable levels of trait mindfulness and PDH, but the FXS group (versus ASD and DD) reported higher levels of mindful parenting. The mindful parenting/PDH relationship was negative for all groups but weaker for mothers of children with ASD (versus DD and FXS). Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Keywords: Fragile X syndrome; autism; developmental delay; mindfulness; parenting daily hassles.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Developmental Disabilities* / psychology
  • Female
  • Fragile X Syndrome* / psychology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mindfulness*
  • Mothers* / psychology
  • Parenting* / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological* / psychology
  • Young Adult