Parenting is a blessing, but that doesn’t mean it is easy.  Each child comes with his or her own unique challenges, and as parents we share them with our children­—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. My life is so much richer for being a parent, and I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.
 
However, for parents of children with special needs, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the path can be particularly demanding. Those demands can lead to heightened emotional stress, and with that stress comes a line of dominos ready to fall. I know from personal experience just demanding it, and also rewarding, it can be to parent a child with ASD, and navigating their unique needs. It's a journey of learning and growth for the whole family. and behavioral health benefits are an important part of the journey for families like mine.


 
For employers, understanding and supporting the needs of employees with ASD children is an opportunity to foster a supportive workplace culture, demonstrate the value of their people, protect productivity, and reduce churn. Providing strong behavioral health benefits—for the whole family—can make a huge difference for everyone.
 

Understanding Emotional Stress Among Parents of Autistic Children

Parenting a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can come with many challenges and trauma. Your relationship may be strained by communication difficulties, behavioral issues, and the difficulties of obtaining access to the specialized services your child needs. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed by this constant juggling act, and parents might start to feel isolated, anxious, and depressed.
 
The relentless demands of caregiving coupled with societal stigma and misconceptions about autism can further exacerbate their stress levels. In a study published in 2009, researchers found[1] that parents of children with ASD reported instances of conflict with others, fatigue, and work interruptions. At the same time, they were more likely to report having a stressful event during the day than parents without a child with ASD.
 
However, there is some good news. A study published in 2019[2] found that while parenting stress was associated with ASD symptoms in children, that stress could be mitigated by social support and through learned coping strategies. Reducing the stigma around ASD and empowering parents can have a positive impact on their mental health, which can lead to improved productivity and job satisfaction in the workplace.
 

Benefits for the Whole Person, Whole Family

Recognizing the unique needs of these parents, employers can play a pivotal role in providing meaningful support through thoughtful, targeted employee benefits. Here are several ways organizations can leverage their benefits programs to assist these families:
 

1. Comprehensive Benefits

Build an employee benefits plan with robust mental health services, ABA therapy, and counseling sessions—for parents and children. Providing access to mental health professionals who specialize in working with families of children with ASD can provide the support parents need when managing stress.
 

2. Flexible Work Arrangements:

Telecommuting, flex hours, and part-time work options can give parents the free hand they need to be there for their children. Parents of children with ASD will need to attend medical appointments, therapy sessions, or handle unexpected situations, and removing the stress of worrying about job security will go a long way to preventing stress and burnout. Flexible work arrangements give parents peace of mind, knowing that they have the flexibility to reach their work goals in a way that works for the family. Rather than falling behind or treading water, flexibility can empower parents to excel on the job while still caring for the needs of their children.
 

3. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs):

Sometimes, as a parent of a child with ASD, you may feel the world closing in on you and you don’t know where you can turn for help. Access to Employee Assistance Programs can reduce that stress and insecurity. EAPs that offer confidential counseling, support services, and resources for employees and their families are amazing, and even just knowing that you have that tool available can lighten the emotional load for parents. These programs are invaluable for helping parents navigate what it takes to care for their autistic children, from accessing educational resources to finding community support groups.
 

It's Going to Be Okay

Parents of children with ASD all face their own struggles and challenges. Some of those challenges may feel minor, some insurmountable. But one thing that I know for sure is that any challenge you face as a parent is going to be harder to handle if you’re already burdened with stress.
 
Reducing stress through employee benefits can make life easier, for everyone concerned. Employers are able to provide incredible assistance. Not only can employers build benefits packages to address the needs of families navigating ASD, employers can also educate their members about the benefits available to them. I believe that together, we can create workplaces where every member feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive, no matter what challengers they may face at home. Connect with us through the form below, and let’s figure out how we can work together to make it happen.