Fatigue, Wellbeing and Parental Self-Efficacy in Mothers of Children with ASD

Raising a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents significant challenges for parents that potentially have a impact on their health and wellbeing. The current study examined the extent to which parents experience fatigue and its relationship to other aspects of wellbeing and parenting. Fifty mothers of children with an ASD aged 2-5 years participated in the study. Compared with mothers of typically developing children, mothers of children with an ASD reported significantly higher fatigue, with overall scores in the moderate range. Factors associated with high levels of fatigue were poor maternal sleep quality, a high need for social support and poor quality of physical activity. Fatigue was also significantly related to other aspects of wellbeing, including stress, anxiety and depression, and lower parenting efficacy and satisfaction. The need for interventions to specifically target parental fatigue and its impact on families affected by ASDs both in the short and long term is clearly indicated.


Giallo R, Wood CE, Jellett R, Porter R.
SourceParenting Research Centre, Australia.

11 Reasons to Exercise

Maybe if I write a list, I'll read it once in awhile and stay inspired? Here is some information I found in Prevention Magazine:

11- Heart Pumping increases blood flow to the brain- helping with multi-tasking, planning and memory.

10- It reduces pain and stiffness. It releases endorphins- the body's natural pain reliever.

9- You think more clearly, get more done and interact more effectively with others.

8- It increases blood flow to all areas of the body.

7- It thwarts off gum disease.

6- It boosts your immune system.

5- It helps with sleep patterns.

4- It is good for your eyes.

3- It increases energy and reduces fatigue.

2- It adds strength to your bones.

And, my number 1 reason to exercise...

My Crazy Family

Momma Said There'll Be Days Like This

I was hurrying to get to the pharmacy before they closed.

Clapping in the Bedroom

I asked Don to move the treadmill into our bedroom, so I can watch television while I work out. The only place it fits, however, is between my side of the bed and the nightstand. Now, if I want to read before I go to sleep, I have to get out of bed and climb over the treadmill to turn off the lamp. One night last week, I felt too tired to get back out of bed, so I mentioned to Don that we should put our lamps on a clapper. He laughed at me and said, "That would really be aging us, wouldn't it?"