Latent Profiles of Coping, Family Hope, and Support of Parents Raising a Child With Autism in an Ableist Society

Parents raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face increased stress and limited support in an ableist society. This study surveyed 196 parents/caregivers to examine how social support, family relationship hope, and coping strategies relate to parental mental health. Using latent profile analysis, we identified three distinct profiles that predicted differences in depressive symptoms. Parents with high social support, strong family hope, and nonavoidant coping reported the fewest symptoms of depression. Conversely, those relying on avoidant coping and reporting low support and hope were more likely to experience clinically significant depression. These findings highlight the importance of systemic, family-centered interventions that strengthen social support networks and encourage adaptive coping strategies. Enhancing these resources may foster family resilience and improve long-term outcomes for families raising a child with ASD.