Occurrence and correlates of anxiety and depression in carers of autistic children across three nations

Purpose: Caring for an autistic child is associated with elevated stress, anxiety and depression. Although some data suggest that ‘child’ or ‘carer’ factors may moderate the severity of carer distress, relatively few international comparisons have been made, limiting the generalizability of previous findings. This study aimed to address this issue.

Method: A survey-based comparison was made of carers from three nations (Australia, Denmark, Greece), and the effects of demographic, child, and carer variables upon carer anxiety and depression were investigated.

Results: Only limited cross-nation consistency was found for nation, child, or carer variables and their effects upon carer anxiety or depression.

Conclusion: The application of universal treatment models for carer anxiety and depression may be of differing value across nations.