Autism Diagnosis Does Not Mean a Divorce is Next

Parents with autistic children are not more likely to divorce. This statement contradicts a lot of public opinions, but it is based on facts. A new study sought to find out how many parents actually stuck it out and worked through their marriage while raising an autistic child. The results were surprising to those who automatically assumed an autism diagnosis also meant the end of a marriage.

The misconception was built on the perception that an autistic child requires so much time and energy that one or both parents are too overwhelmed to attempt to work on their relationship as well. While it is true that autism can strain a marriage, the overall statistics are not that bad. Mothers tend to become completely consumed with the child’s needs and make themselves unavailable to their husband. The husband ends up scrambling to figure out his role in the family unit and may feel alienated, which will often end in the couple giving up on the relationship.

The results of a 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health can help put the rumors to rest.  Out of nearly 78,000 children, 64 percent of the autistic children were still living with both parents. 65 percent of children without autism were living with both of their parents. The severity of the autism did not make any difference in the overall percentage according to the study. The divorce rate among autistic families had been believed to be about 80 percent. This new information proves that autistic families are on pace with the rest of America.