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Elevated levels of parenting stress have been reported in parents raising an Autistic child. Previous studies have identified a multitude of predictors of parenting stress, including both child-related and parent-related factors, though findings across studies are not always in agreement. In the present study we investigate the determinants of parenting stress using a Network Analysis approach, which is then used to inform a subsequent structural equation model. New Zealand parents (n = 490) of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) provided data on their Autistic child (e.g., ASD core symptoms, problem behaviours) and themselves (i.e., parenting stress). The analysis revealed that both child and parent demographic factors were poor predictors of parenting stress, while the child’s current language and communication ability were correlated with diagnostic age and parenting stress. An earlier diagnostic age, in turn, suggested better behavioural and emotional outcomes for children. Overall, the Network Analysis showed itself to be an informative approach to understanding parenting stress in the ASD context. Findings further advocate for the implementation of ASD-related and language-related interventions as early as possible, and that language delays during early infancy justify prompt clinical assessment.

养育自闭症儿童的父母常被报道存在较高水平的养育压力。既往研究已识别出诸多养育压力的预测因素，涵盖儿童相关与父母相关两类维度，但不同研究的结论并不完全一致。本研究采用网络分析（Network Analysis）方法探究养育压力的决定因素，并以此为后续结构方程模型的构建提供依据。本研究招募了490名新西兰自闭症谱系障碍（Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD）患儿的家长，参与者报告了患儿的相关信息（如自闭症核心症状、问题行为）以及自身的养育压力水平。分析结果显示，儿童与父母的人口学因素对养育压力的预测能力较弱，而患儿当前的语言与沟通能力与诊断年龄及养育压力均存在相关性；更早的自闭症诊断年龄则预示着患儿拥有更佳的行为与情绪预后。总体而言，网络分析方法在探究自闭症场景下的养育压力时展现出良好的应用价值。本研究结果进一步支持尽早开展自闭症相关及语言相关干预的必要性，并提示婴幼儿时期的语言延迟应及时接受临床评估。