Hair Cortisol in Young Children with Autism and Their Parents: Associations with Child Mental Health, Eating Behavior and Weight Status.

This study looked at stress hormones in the hair of young children with autism and their parents. Children with autism had higher stress hormone levels than other children. Parents' stress levels were linked to their child's behavior problems and eating habits. This shows that when parents are stressed, it can affect their autistic child's wellbeing. The research suggests that supporting the whole family, not just the child, is important for better outcomes.

This cross-sectional study examined biological stress (hair cortisol concentrations) in 102 young children with autism and their parents (101 mothers, 86 fathers). Children with autism showed higher hair cortisol levels compared to general population peers, suggesting differences in stress regulation. While child cortisol levels were not directly associated with mental health, eating behavior, or BMI, parental stress (both biological and self-reported) significantly correlated with child outcomes. Maternal stress linked to child problem behaviors, while paternal stress associated with autism symptoms and behavioral issues.

Both parents' stress related to children's emotional eating patterns, highlighting the interconnected nature of family stress dynamics in autism.

Findings support family-centered interventions addressing parental stress alongside child-focused treatments. Hair cortisol monitoring may help identify stress-related issues in clinical practice. Stress management programs for parents could improve child behavioral and eating outcomes.

Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences. Sample size and demographic characteristics not fully detailed. Unclear comparison methodology with general population. Study type not specified, limiting methodological assessment.

Children with autism 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 biological stress in children with autism and their parents and its associations with child mental health, eating behavior and BMI. Stress was measured in 102 young children with autism 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. Children with autism 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. In conclusion, higher HCC levels in children with autism in comparison to children from the general population, suggest differences in stress-regulation in children with autism.

Given these findings, monitoring HCC in research and clinical practice could improve our understanding of stress-regulation in children with autism. The association between parental stress and children's mental health and eating behaviors, underscores the importance of considering family dynamics in clinical (preventive) interventions and in further research that addresses the mental and physical health of children with autism.