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Contribution title Hair Cortisol in Young Children with Autism and their Parents: associations with child mental health, eating behavior and weight status
Contribution code D3.011
Authors
  1. Anna van der Lubbe Sarr Autisme Rotterdam
  2. Hanna Swaab Clinical Child & Adolescent Studies
  3. Erica van der Akker
  4. Robert Vermeiren Curium-Leiden University Medical Centre
  5. Wietske Ester Sarr Autisme Rotterdam & LUMC-Curium Presenter
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T04 - ASD
Abstract Purpose: Children with ASD and their parents face daily challenges that may be stressful for both. However, little is known about biological stress (hair cortisol concentrations [HCC]) in these families and its connection to children’s health outcomes. This study investigates: 1) differences in biological stress between children with ASD and same-aged children from the general population, 2) associations between child biological stress and their mental health, eating behavior, and Standardized Body Mass Index (BMIz) 3) associations between (self-reported and biological) stress of parents and child mental health, eating behavior, and BMI.

Method: Stress was measured in 102 young children with ASD and their parents (101 mothers, 86 fathers) using HCC and self-reported parenting stress (OBVL). Child mental health was measured through autism symptoms (ADOS-2, SRS-2) and problem behavior (CBCL). Child eating behavior (CEBQ) and (BMIz were also measured.

Results: Children with ASD had higher HCC than their peers. Child HCC was not linked to mental health, eating behavior, or BMIz. Maternal stress (self-reported and HCC) was associated with child problem behavior. In fathers, self-reported parenting stress correlated with child autism symptoms (SRS-2) and behavior problems. Both parents’ self-reported stress was associated with child eating behavior, specifically emotional undereating and overeating.

Conclusion: At a young age, children with ASD display higher HCC than their peers. Although no association was found between child HCC and mental health, eating behavior, and BMI, parental stress was related to children’s mental health and eating behavior, underscoring the importance of family dynamics in the health of children with ASD.