UK study finds families raising autistic children show resilience alongside higher stress

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 22, 2026) — Families raising a child with autism may experience greater levels of stress, but new University of Kentucky research published in the journal Autism suggests that is only part of the story. 

The study, led by Amanda Duncan, Ph.D., in the College of Education, found families raising autistic children reported not only greater stress, but also greater resilience. When researchers compared families experiencing similar levels of stress, those raising an autistic child demonstrated greater resilience. 

“This helps us see both the strain and the strength in these families at the same time,” said Duncan, assistant professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education and Counselor Education. “What these results found was that if you took two families, one raising a child with autism and one raising a child without autism, and both families were experiencing similar amounts of stress in their lives, the family who is raising a child with autism is going to be the more resilient family.” 

Resilience can be found in the everyday ways families communicate, solve problems and adapt when something is not working. 

“Resilience is not about having a perfect or stress-free family life; it is about how families keep adapting together,” Duncan said. 

Duncan conducted the study with UK College of Education colleague Collin Shepley, Ph.D., associate professor. Both are board-certified behavior analysts and have extensive experience working with autistic children and their families in school and clinical settings. 

The researchers analyzed nationwide, post-COVID data from the National Survey of Children’s Health, representing more than 100,000 U.S. families. Previous research examining families raising children with autism has often focused on smaller or more localized samples or has not included a comparison group. 

For parents raising children with autism, the researchers said stress can emerge from the accumulation of demands that are part of everyday family life. 

“Every parent knows how stressful family life can be. Getting everyone ready for school, handling big emotions, keeping up with work and trying to stay patient when the day is not going as planned,” Duncan said. “For parents raising an autistic child, those everyday moments can come with extra layers.”  

A morning routine, for example, might also involve helping a child through a meltdown, preparing for sensory experiences that may be overwhelming, or packing familiar foods or comfort items. Families may also be navigating therapy appointments, school meetings, insurance calls, sleep challenges and childcare needs. 

“So, the stress is not just one big event; it is often the constant mental load of planning ahead, adjusting in the moment and trying to make daily life work for everyone in the family,” Duncan said. 

Resilience can show up in everyday ways, such as creating a visual schedule before school, parents taking turns during a difficult bedtime or texting a quick plan before entering a crowded store that could be overwhelming for their child. Resilience can also include celebrating a small but meaningful milestone, such as a child trying a new food. 

“These moments may look ordinary from the outside, but they reflect problem-solving, teamwork, hope and deep family connection,” Duncan said. “The families are building connection and stability, even on days that feel messy or overwhelming.” 

The study did not demonstrate why families raising children with autism demonstrated greater resilience, but the researchers point to factors that may help explain the finding. Families may develop skills associated with resilience through repeated opportunities to adapt and problem-solve. 

“These families often have to adapt in real time,” Duncan said. “A family that talks through a hard morning, adjusts the plan for the next day or notices what helped their child feel calmer is practicing resilience. Over time, those repeated acts of communication and problem-solving can strengthen family connectedness.” 

The researchers said many parents also describe personal growth through this process, such as becoming more patient, more grounded, more confident in advocating for their child or becoming more aware of what truly matters to their family. 

But they caution against interpreting the findings to mean that experiencing stress is beneficial.   

“I do not want readers to conclude that stress automatically makes people stronger,” Duncan said. “Stress can become toxic and overwhelming, and it can affect both one’s physical and mental health.” 

Nor should evidence of resilience be interpreted to mean families need less support. 

“A parent may look calm at a school meeting or seem organized because they have color-coded schedules and backup plans, but that does not mean the load is light,” Duncan said. “These families can be incredibly capable yet still need meaningful support.” 

The findings could help schools, service providers and other organizations think differently about how they work with families raising autistic children. Duncan said families may need practical supports, including access to childcare, respite and affordable services, as well as schools and providers that listen to parents and work collaboratively with them. 

“The findings show that resilience matters, but families still need real, practical relief,” Duncan said. “Encouraging families to ‘be resilient’ is not enough.”   

UK College of Education Dean Nick Pace, Ed.D., said the study reflects the college’s commitment to research that impacts the lives of children and families.  

“Drs. Duncan and Shepley are helping bring a fuller understanding of the experiences of families raising children with autism,” Pace said. “Their work shows how research can challenge assumptions and give educators and families knowledge and daily practices they can use to better support children and families.” 

For Duncan, the research also has a personal connection. She is the parent of two neurodivergent children, including a child who is autistic. 

“This study moves us toward a fuller story about autistic children and their families, one that recognizes both the real weight families carry and the strengths they build every day,” Duncan said. “That balance matters to me personally as a parent. I hope this work helps people see these families with more respect, practical skills and appreciation for the resilience already present in daily life.” 

The researchers hope to continue examining this topic, including how financial and marital stress, access to services, school support and a child’s support needs influence family well-being. They are also interested in following families over time to better understand how their experiences and needs change as children move from early childhood through adolescence and into adulthood. 

“Our hope is to keep building on this work so we can better understand what helps families thrive over time,” Duncan said.