Summary: A recent study indicates that mothers ‘ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs ), including abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, may have an impact on children who have ADHD or autism. Mothers who experienced first trauma were more likely to include children who reported related experiences and exhibit developmental condition symptoms themselves.
Parents ‘ lack of such a connection was probably caused by the study’s underrepresentation or caregiving roles. The researchers urge more comprehensive assessments that take into account family story when assisting children with developmental disorders.
Important Information
- Mothers who had hard childhoods are more likely to have children who have autism or ADHD who have experienced related early hardship.
- No Paternal Link: Father ‘ childhood experiences may have differed in their jobs or sample sizes, which may have contributed to this.
- Supportive Care Needed: Screening families for ACEs may enhance knowledge of a child’s difficulties and tell more in-depth support plans.
University of Gothenburg
Parents ‘ difficult childhood experiences, as opposed to father, appear to have a negative impact on children with developmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
A University of Gothenburg study has demonstrated this. The experts advocate for a more comprehensive view and greater parental support.
The study examines whether parents ‘ adverse childhood experiences (ACEs ) are related to children with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD. These ACEs include interpersonal difficulties, neglect, and abuse, which may cause long-term pain.
The effects have been published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, the .
Mother of the child
48 children with ADHD, autism, or both were enrolled in the investigation, which were recruited from two Swedish medical clinics, along with 86 moms and 37 fathers. More likely to have kids who reported related activities were mothers who had troubled youth.
Additionally, these mothers were more likely to have characteristics of ADHD and dementia themselves.  ,
” A mother’s ability to manage stress, provide stability, and cultivate intimate associations with her baby may be affected by the way she manages stress, provided security, and developed close relationships with her child.
According to Maria Davidsson, a graduate student at Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg and a member of the school’s Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre,” This, in turn, may make it more difficult for the baby to regulate their emotions and cope with daily challenges, especially if the baby has a developmental disorder.”
On the other hand, there was no such association for fathers.  ,
” We can’t say why this connection exists with mothers, but it could be because mothers have more frequent intimate relationships with their kids,” the mother said. According to Maria Davidsson, it could also be that the fathers ‘ childhood experiences have an impact on the children in other ways without any direct connection to their mental health.  ,
Another reason why the same relationship between the children’s fathers and the parents might be present could be that fewer fathers took part in the study.
Take a look at the larger picture.
The researchers claim that when assessing children with ADHD and autism, it is crucial to take into account the larger picture. Through ACE screening, parents ‘ childhood experiences can be better understood of how early experiences affect child development and the family’s need for support.  ,
” Neurodevelopmental issues rarely arise on their own.” They’re frequently linked to other factors, making it crucial to take into account the entire context when conducting assessments and interventions,” says Maria Davidsson.”  ,
About this information about research into ASD, ADHD, and childhood trauma.
Author: Elin Lindström
Source: University of Gothenburg
Contact: Elin Lindström – University of Gothenburg
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Open access to original research.
By Maria Davidsson et al.,” Adverse childhood experiences for parents and children with neurodevelopmental disorders.” Nordic Journal of Psychiatry
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences for parents and children with neurodevelopmental disorders
Introduction
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs ) are potentially traumatizing events that are linked to bad health outcomes. Although research into ACEs in children with NDD and their parents and its possible connection to child problems is limited, children with neurodevelopmental disorders ( NDD ) are at an increased risk of having them.
We wanted to learn whether there is an association between parental ACEs and NDD traits, and whether ACEs in parents or children are related to the child’s emotional behavioral issues.
Methods
The study included 86 mothers, 37 fathers, and 48 children who had been referred from two Swedish child psychiatric clinics and had ADHD. Parents gave demographic data, detailed their own ACEs, NDD traits, and children’s emotional and behavioral issues. Children responded to ACE measurements.
Results
Maternal ACEs were significantly correlated with child ACEs ( r = 0.382,  , p = 0.034), as well as with maternal ADHD traits ( r = 0.451,  , p <, 0.001 ) and ASD traits ( r = 0.451,  , p <, 0.001 ). Child ACEs also correlated with child emotional problems ( r = 0.304,  , p = 0.038 ). Regression analysis revealed a link between maternal emotional and behavioral issues and child emotional and behavioral issues ( p = 0. 501,   = 0. 0036 ). None of these connections were found in fathers.
Conclusion
This study suggests that clinicians should take into account maternal trauma and maternal NDD traits when evaluating children with ADHD/ASD. It also emphasizes the necessity of ACE screenings. Paternal involvement should be the focus of future research.
