Social responsiveness in children with autism spectrum disorder and its influence on maternal overload

Abstract

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent impairments in social interaction and communication, and by the presence of restricted and repetitive behavioral patterns, impacting behavioral and social development from childhood. These difficulties increase care demands and can contribute to maternal burden. Objectives: To analyze maternal burden and the social responsiveness of Brazilian children with ASD, as well as to identify associations between impairments in children’s social responsiveness and increased maternal burden. Method: A crosssectional, quantitative, descriptive, and correlational study was conducted with 106 mothers and their children with ASD, aged between 3 and 11 years. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (ERS-2), and the Caregiver Burden Scale (CES) were used. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation, and simple and multiple linear regressions were performed. A sociodemographic questionnaire, the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (ERS-2), and the Caregiver Burden Scale (ESC) were used. Descriptive analyses, Pearson correlation, and simple and multiple linear regressions were performed. Results: Most children presented severe impairment in social responsiveness, mainly in the domains of communication and social cognition. Moderate to severe burden was predominant. There was a moderate positive correlation between the ERS-2 and ESC scores. Social perception was the main predictor of maternal burden. Conclusion: Greater impairments in the social responsiveness of children with ASD are associated with higher levels of maternal burden, highlighting the importance of integrated interventions that address child social development and support for mother-caregivers.